Trump Lifts Tariffs on UK Whisky After King Charles Visit

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was lifting tariffs on whisky from the United Kingdom, describing the move as a gesture towards King Charles at the end of a state visit marking the approaching 250th anniversary of US independence.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would also remove tariffs and restrictions affecting Scotland’s ability to work with the US state of Kentucky on whisky and bourbon production.

UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle welcomed the move. “This is great news for our Scotch whisky industry, which is worth almost 1 billion pounds in exports and supports thousands of jobs across the UK”, he said.

Diageo, the world’s largest spirits maker and owner of the Johnnie Walker brand, said it “warmly” welcomed the restoration of tariff-free trade for Scotch whisky. Its shares rose by as much as 3% in early trading.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the King “sends his sincere gratitude” for the decision.

“His Majesty will be raising a dram to the President’s thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the U.S. after a most enjoyable state visit for both Their Majesties in this special anniversary year”, the spokesperson said.

(reuters, bak)