President Donald Trump announced he will lift tariffs on Irish whiskey during a visit to Ireland, responding to requests from Irish officials and golfer Shane Lowry. The decision, made before a golf tournament at his Doonbeg resort, removes a 15% tariff on whiskey distilled in the Republic of Ireland, which differs from the existing exemption for whiskey produced in Northern Ireland and the UK. Trump also reiterated his support for a potential united Ireland, describing it as a “natural” outcome.
Trump stated he discussed the tariffs with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Lowry, saying he was responding to widespread appeals. The move is expected to level the playing field for Irish whiskey distillers, as Northern Ireland producers had benefited from a previous tariff removal on all UK-made whiskey announced in May. However, some Northern Irish distilleries rely on a County Louth facility, Great Northern Distillery, for contract distillation and bottling, which had previously classified them as EU producers subject to the tariff.
Economic analysts note that the tariff removal will end the advantage held by some Northern Ireland distillers over their competitors in the Republic. Trump described his comments on a united Ireland as “routine,” reiterating his belief that uniting Northern Ireland and the Republic would be a natural development. He made these remarks while watching Lowry tee off at the Irish Open.
The announcement concluded Trump’s two-day trip to Ireland, after which he departed for Washington.
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