Scotch whisky producers could be a step closer to relief from US trade tariffs as First Minister John Swinney travels to Kentucky to strengthen efforts to secure their removal.
The visit follows Scotland’s opening matches at the World Cup in the United States and comes amid ongoing discussions over tariffs that continue to affect one of Scotland’s most important export industries.
The United States remains the largest overseas market for Scotch whisky, with exports worth around £933 million annually.
Despite that importance, whisky exports to the US fell by 4 per cent in value and more than 9 per cent in volume compared with 2024, increasing pressure on governments and industry leaders to remove barriers to trade.
Mr Swinney’s visit is designed to build on President Donald Trump’s earlier commitment to remove the current 10 per cent tariff on whisky, a move welcomed by Scotland’s whisky industry.
While in Kentucky, the First Minister will meet key figures from the American spirits sector and continue discussions aimed at maintaining momentum towards the removal of tariffs.
His programme includes co hosting a lunch with representatives from the US spirits industry, visiting Kentucky Cooperage and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel, and touring a bourbon distillery alongside members of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus.
The trip also highlights the long standing relationship between Scotland’s whisky producers and Kentucky’s bourbon industry.
Millions of used bourbon barrels make the journey from Kentucky to Scotland every year, where they play a crucial role in maturing Scotch whisky and shaping many of the flavours enjoyed around the world.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Swinney said:
“Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon share a deep, long-standing connection, they’re two of the world’s great spirits and of high value to their respective economies.
“Every year, millions of used bourbon barrels make their way from Kentucky to Scotland, where they’re used to age some of the world’s finest Scotch whiskies.
“The relationship between these two great spirits industries is genuinely symbiotic, each one helps make the other better.
“I have consistently made the case to exempt Scotch whisky from the 10% tariff and was pleased by the President’s announcement that he would remove the tariff for whisky following the State Visit earlier this year.
“My visit to Kentucky aims to build on both that shared heritage and President Trump’s commitment to remove the tariff for whisky, in a very important overseas market for Scotch.”
For Scotland’s whisky industry, which supports jobs and communities across the Highlands, Speyside, Islay and beyond, the outcome of tariff discussions remains a significant economic issue.
Industry leaders will now be watching closely to see whether the commitments made in recent months translate into lasting changes that help Scotland’s national drink compete more freely in its most valuable export market.
