There will be a “significant benefit” for Scottish producers as US tariffs on imports of Scotch whisky and lifted, John Swinney has said.
The 10% tariff on whisky was lifted on Friday. However, Donald Trump’s administration imposed a new 10% tariff on UK imports for other goods.
The US president announced in April that he would remove the whisky tariff, following the state visit by the King and Queen.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Swinney said: “From today, there are no tariffs on Scotch whisky going to the United States, which is a significant benefit for the Scotch whisky industry.
“The industry was being harmed by the existence of tariffs from the United States.
“There’s obviously a range of other tariffs being applied by President Trump. But for Scotch whisky, the tariffs are gone.”
Speaking to the Press Association on Friday afternoon, the First Minister said the removal of tariffs on Scotch whisky is a “very, very welcome development” for the industry and for the Scottish economy.
“The industry has been suffering very challenging times recently, and tariffs simply made those challenges even more acute,” Mr Swinney said.
“The effect of that is to result in the loss of jobs here in Scotland, but also in the United States, where we have relationships around the cask trade.
“So, the removal of tariffs will be good for jobs and investment and the economy of Scotland, and I welcome the progress that’s been made.”
Speaking about the Trump administration’s newly imposed 10% tariff on UK imports for other goods, Mr Swinney said: “Obviously, I’m not a supporter of tariffs. I believe in free trade, so the application of tariffs under whatever description they come with is unwelcome.
“And obviously, the steps that have been taken by President Trump to apply tariffs on other areas of activity are not helpful for our economy, but on the issue of Scotch whisky, I’m glad that we were successful in persuading President Trump to remove the tariffs because they were resulting in a loss of jobs and opportunity here in Scotland.”
He added: “As First Minister, my priority is to make sure that we support jobs and growth and the economy within Scotland, and I’m glad that we’ve achieved this objective.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said the removal of the whisky tariff showed the benefits of working closely with the US.
He said: “This is a day of celebration for Scotland’s whisky industry.
“The removal of tariffs by the US is a significant measure that will open up opportunities for growth and prominence for this already beloved Scottish product in US towns and cities.
“The action taken by President Trump demonstrates the partnership our two countries have and the close working in trade that supports economic growth both here in the UK and in the United States.
“This is the second action this month which has opened up the world even more to our whisky exports, with the India Free Trade Agreement, which came into force earlier in July, seeing tariffs reduced from 150% to 40% over the next 10 years.”
The industry body also welcomed the removal of tariffs.
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.”