President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would remove tariffs and restrictions on Scotch whisky imports, a decision he said was made in honor of King Charles III and Queen Camilla following their state visit to the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with the King’s visit. I think it’s only right, in honor of the king and queen, and it was really something, they got me to do something that nobody else was able to do.” He also said the move would lift restrictions on Scotland’s ability to work with the state of Kentucky on whisky and bourbon, describing them as “Two great industries.”
The tariffs, which stood at 10% on Scotch whisky, were imposed last year as part of a broader trade dispute. The Washington Examiner reported that Trump had brought the 10% tariff on Scottish whisky imports. The announcement was made on the final day of the royal visit, which included meetings and ceremonial events.
Industry officials welcomed the decision. According to The Guardian, officials described the move as a “significant boost” for the sector. The Scotch Whisky Association had long called for the removal of the tariffs, and the UK government had been seeking their elimination. Bloomberg noted that the action delivered a trade concession to the UK.
The BBC reported that Trump specifically referenced lifting restrictions on cooperation between Scotland and Kentucky in the whisky and bourbon sectors. The Daily Caller highlighted Trump’s characterization of the two industries as “great.”
The Hill and The Independent both carried Trump’s full statement, emphasizing that the president credited the king and queen for persuading him. The state visit, which included Queen Camilla, marked the first by a British monarch to the U.S. in several years. The tariff removal is seen as a diplomatic gesture following the visit.
No right-leaning sources reported additional details beyond the announcement and the tariff rate. The Washington Examiner and Daily Caller both framed the move as a parting gift to the king, with the Examiner noting it was a final gesture on the last day of the visit. All sources confirmed the 10% tariff figure and the immediate effect of the announcement.
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