Scotch whisky exports to the United States will once again be free from tariffs from Friday, marking a significant victory for one of Scotland’s most important industries and bringing fresh confidence to distillers across the Highlands and Speyside.
The return of a zero tariff regime was confirmed by US authorities following an announcement by President Donald Trump after the King’s State Visit to the United States earlier this year.
The United States remains Scotch whisky’s biggest overseas market, with exports worth £933 million during 2025, making the removal of tariffs a major boost for producers, supply chains and the wider Scottish economy.
The agreement restores tariff free trade between the Scotch whisky and American bourbon industries, ending a period of uncertainty that has weighed heavily on businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
First Minister John Swinney welcomed the confirmation, describing it as the result of a coordinated effort involving the Scottish Government, the Scotch Whisky Association and industry partners in the United States.
He said:
“The end of US tariffs on Scotch whisky has now been confirmed by the US Authorities, whisky will be tariff free.
“This follows the remarkable contribution of the King and a ‘Team Scotland’ approach that saw the Scotch Whisky Association and the Scottish Government work hand in hand.
“We were able to partner with the bourbon industry in the United States, raise the issue with President Trump in the Oval Office, and get this issue on his agenda.
“The result is a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime that is a win for Scotland and a win for the United States.
“It benefits businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic and not just among whisky producers but also the businesses and communities that support the sector across Scotland.
“This is a good day for Scotland.”
The Scotch Whisky Association also welcomed the decision, saying it would encourage investment and support jobs throughout the industry.
Ian Duddy, International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association, said:
“The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch Whisky in the US is welcome news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
“As Scotch Whisky’s most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, the removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US.
“From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and US whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.
“This outcome is testament to the strength of the enduring relationship between the UK and the US.
“On behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry, we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen, including His Majesty The King during his recent State Visit.
“We look forward to building on this positive momentum and working with partners on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure Scotch Whisky continues to thrive.”
For Speyside, home to many of Scotland’s best known distilleries, the announcement is expected to provide renewed confidence after a challenging period for the industry.
Laura Mitchell MSP said:
“The removal of US tariffs on Scotch Whisky is incredibly welcome news for distillers here in Speyside, particularly given the challenging headwinds the industry has faced in recent months.
“These changes come following a huge ‘Team Scotland’ effort led by the Scotch Whisky Association and supported by the First Minister John Swinney, that successfully persuaded President Trump to dump these damaging tariffs.
“The United States is one of Scotch whisky’s most important export markets so this new tariff regime will hopefully give distillers greater confidence to invest and grow here in Speyside.”
The return of tariff free access to Scotland’s largest export market is expected to benefit not only distilleries, but also farmers, cooperages, hauliers, hospitality businesses and the many communities whose livelihoods depend on the continued success of the Scotch whisky industry.
