There will be a “significant benefit” for Scottish producers as US tariffs on Scotch whiskey imports are removed, John Swinney has said.
The 10% tariff on whiskey was lifted on Friday. However, Donald Trump's administration imposed a new 10% tariff on British imports of other goods.
The president of the United States announced in April that he would eliminate the tariff on whiskey, following the state visit of the King and Queen.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Swinney said: “As of today, there are no tariffs on Scotch whiskey going to the US, which is a significant benefit for the Scotch whiskey industry.
“The industry was being harmed by the existence of United States tariffs.
“Obviously, President Trump is putting other tariffs in place, but in the case of Scotch whiskey, the tariffs are no longer there.”
Speaking to the Press Association on Friday afternoon, the First Minister said the removal of tariffs on Scotch whiskey is a “very, very welcome development” for the Scottish industry and economy.
“The industry has been going through very difficult times recently, and the tariffs just exacerbated those challenges even more,” Swinney said.
“The effect of this is the loss of jobs here in Scotland, but also in the United States, where we have relationships around the barrel trade.
“Therefore, removing tariffs will be good for jobs, investment and Scotland’s economy, and I welcome the progress that has been made.”
Speaking about the 10% tariff recently imposed by the Trump administration on British imports of other goods, Swinney said: “I'm obviously not a fan of tariffs. I believe in free trade, so the application of tariffs under any description is not welcome.”
“And obviously the steps that President Trump has taken to apply tariffs to other areas of activity are not helpful for our economy, but on the issue of Scotch whisky, I am glad that we managed to persuade President Trump to remove the tariffs because they were resulting in a loss of jobs and opportunities here in Scotland.”
He added: “As First Minister, my priority is to ensure we support jobs, growth and the economy within Scotland, and I am pleased we have achieved this goal.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said the removal of the whiskey tariff showed the benefits of working closely with the United States.
He said: “This is a day of celebration for Scotland’s whiskey industry.
“The removal of tariffs by the United States is an important measure that will open opportunities for growth and prominence for this already beloved Scottish product in American towns and cities.
“The action taken by President Trump demonstrates the partnership our two countries have and the close work on trade that supports economic growth both here in the United Kingdom and the United States.
“This is the second action this month that has opened the world even further to our whiskey exports, with the India Free Trade Agreement, which came into force at the beginning of July, reducing tariffs from 150% to 40% over the next 10 years.”
The industry body also welcomed the removal of tariffs.
Ian Duddy, international director of the Scotch Whiskey Association, said: “The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch whiskey in the US is good news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
“As the most valuable global market for Scotch whisky, worth £933 million in 2025, removing tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports and support jobs and communities in Scotland and the United States.
“From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and American whiskey sectors, but also our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.
“This result is testament to the strength of the long-standing relationship between the UK and the US.
“On behalf of the Scotch whiskey industry, we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen, including His Majesty the King during his recent state visit.”
