John Swinney Pushes for Whisky Tariff Cuts in White House Talks

First Minister John Swinney has held a “constructive discussion” with US President Donald Trump in the White House, focusing on tariffs applied to Scotch whisky imports. The talks centred on the current 10% tariff rate, which Swinney argues should be reduced—or ideally removed—to benefit both Scottish and American distillers.

Why Tariffs Matter for Whisky

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) estimates that tariffs are costing the industry around £4m each week. The impact is felt on both sides of the Atlantic: while Scottish exports are squeezed, American bourbon producers also face challenges, as their barrels are widely used in Scotch whisky maturation.

Graeme Littlejohn of the SWA noted that tariffs reduce whisky sales in the US and damage trade relationships, affecting cask manufacturers, distributors, and the wider hospitality sector.

Building Momentum from Previous Talks

Swinney’s White House visit builds on earlier discussions with Trump in Aberdeenshire in July. With Trump’s upcoming state visit to the UK later this month, the First Minister sees this as a “critical chance” to press the case for fairer trade.

In a post on X following his Oval Office meeting, Swinney wrote:

“We discussed how the zero-for-zero approach on tariffs would help the industry flourish on both sides of the pond. I’ve now taken those arguments to President Trump, and we had a constructive discussion on why Scotch whisky would benefit from no tariffs.”

Read More: Landmark UK-India Trade Deal Boosts Scotch Whisky Industry

The Bigger Picture: Trade and Diplomacy

The 50-minute meeting also touched on international issues, including the situation in Gaza and air strikes in Qatar. Swinney was joined by the UK’s ambassador to the US, Lord Peter Mandelson, while Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Although the UK government formally negotiates on trade policy, Swinney’s lobbying is aligned with Westminster’s stance. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his team are also seeking further concessions from the US.

Read More: UK Whisky Sales Soar in Singapore as Trade Opportunities Expand Across the Asia-Pacific

Scotch and Bourbon: A Shared Interest

One of Swinney’s strongest arguments is that Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon producers are united in their opposition to tariffs. Far from being rivals, both industries benefit from cross-Atlantic trade in casks and spirits.

The SWA estimates that $1.2bn (£880m) worth of old bourbon barrels are expected to be exported to Scotland during Trump’s second term. Keeping tariffs low—or eliminating them entirely—would therefore support jobs and growth in both countries.

A Looming Deadline on Single Malt Tariffs

The industry is also worried about the possible reintroduction of a 25% tariff on single malt Scotch. First imposed in 2019 during a US-EU trade dispute over aircraft subsidies, the measure was suspended for five years in 2021. Unless a permanent resolution is reached, the tariff could return in June 2026, potentially compounding the current 10% duty.

What’s Next?

Trump previously admitted he hadn’t realised whisky tariffs were a contentious issue, though he agreed to discuss them further. Whether Swinney’s latest lobbying will bear fruit may become clearer during Trump’s state visit to the UK from 17–19 September.

For now, Scotch whisky producers remain hopeful. As Swinney put it:

“Scotch whisky holds a unique position, as it can only legally be produced in Scotland. This is a chance to fight for the very best deal possible for Scotland—and for the US industry too.”

Looking to Turn Tariff Changes into Opportunity?

At UKV International AG, we help clients navigate the whisky market with expert guidance on cask whisky investments. Whether tariffs rise or fall, the rarity and global demand for Scotch make it a resilient and rewarding asset.

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