Throughout his journey, the First Minister will be involved in multiple activities including discussions with officials and member firms from both the SWA and Discus.
The First Minister has embarked on a journey to Washington DC to lobby for improved conditions regarding the current Scotch whisky tariffs, which presently impose a weekly cost of £4 million.
John Swinney set off for the US capital this past Monday, accompanied by representatives from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
The delegation will collaborate with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (Discus) to negotiate favorable terms, potentially achieving zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits within the framework of the ongoing trade discussions between the UK and USA.
This brief trip, lasting only from Monday to Tuesday evening, takes place just over a week before President Donald Trump’s State Visit to the UK.
Mr. Swinney stated, “During President Trump’s visit to Scotland in July, we successfully highlighted whisky in our trade discussions and I committed to pursuing a better tariff arrangement. Although the UK negotiation team officially handles the negotiations, this trip represents a joint effort with the industry to advance Scotch whisky’s interests—an economically significant and iconic Scottish product—and to secure a favorable tariff outcome.
“We will present arguments that reducing tariffs will benefit both the United States and Scotland. The United States is the primary market for Scotch whisky, yet Scottish distillers also invest hundreds of millions of dollars annually in purchasing Bourbon casks from Kentucky.
“With President Trump’s state visit approaching, these crucial days could shape the future of a better tariff deal for Scotch Whisky. We are here to ensure that every possible step is taken to negotiate the best deal for Scotland,” Swinney added.
The First Minister will engage in various meetings with representatives and member companies of both the SWA and Discus.
This visit supports the Scottish Government’s primary objective to expand the economy, with Scotland’s whisky industry employing over 20,000 individuals, many of whom are based in rural regions.
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Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, commented, “The First Minister’s visit to the United States to advocate for the elimination of Scotch whisky tariffs is a timely and positive move ahead of the president’s upcoming state visit to the UK.
“Currently, the 10% tariff is causing a loss of £4 million a week in exports for the Scotch whisky industry, impacting businesses’ ability to invest, employ, and grow.
“There is a long and close trading history between Scotch whisky and US whiskey industries, and both sides appreciate the First Minister’s leadership on this issue and his efforts to negotiate a deal that will benefit communities in Scotland and across the US,” Kent added.
When President Trump visited Scotland in July, Mr. Swinney addressed the issue of the 10% tariffs on Scotch whisky with him.
When queried about the possibility of reducing or eliminating these tariffs, President Trump responded, “We’ll discuss that. I wasn’t aware that whisky was an issue. I’m not much of a whisky drinker, but perhaps I should be.”
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
