First Minister John Swinney will meet President Donald Trump at the White House later today in a push to protect Scotland’s whisky exports from US tariffs.
The Oval Office meeting in Washington DC is scheduled for 2pm local time, part of a broader trade-focused US visit by the First Minister.
Mr Swinney has already met with industry leaders from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), joining forces to argue against tariffs on both sides of the Atlantic.
The meeting took place at Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington and once the site of a whisky distillery run by his Scottish farm manager, James Anderson.
Speaking ahead of the White House visit, the First Minister said:
“When President Trump came to Scotland in July, we raised Scotch whisky with him and got it on the trade deal agenda.
“Now, with just over a week before the President makes a State Visit to the UK, we have a critical chance to follow up and make the case for a better deal.
“Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon have made common cause.
“This isn’t US business versus imports.
Both sides agree, they want no tariffs.
“That’s a real strength.”
Scotch whisky, which can only be legally produced in Scotland, is one of the country’s most valuable exports and has previously faced steep import duties in the United States.
The First Minister is also meeting members of both major US political parties during his visit, including a sit-down with the co-chairs of the Bourbon Caucus, Republican Andy Barr and Democrat Morgan McGarvey.
Earlier in the trip, Mr Swinney met with His Majesty’s Ambassador to the US, Lord Peter Mandelson, and senior UK officials involved in ongoing trade negotiations.
The White House meeting is expected to last around 30 minutes.
“Today’s discussions with the President are another chance to make that case and to fight for the very best deal possible for Scotland,” Mr Swinney added.
