President Donald Trump surprised many by announcing the removal of the whisky tariff wall on imports from the United Kingdom, stating it was to honor King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the occasion of the end of their official visit to the U.S. The White House described this as a major trade deal that eases tensions between the two countries.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States will eliminate import taxes and trade restrictions on whisky from the United Kingdom, saying this gesture honors King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the occasion of their official four-day visit to the U.S.
The U.S. leader posted on Truth Social after seeing them off at the White House, stating, "The King and Queen made me do something no one has done before, even though they hardly asked!" He also praised King Charles as "the greatest king."
This decision relates to trade between Scotland and Kentucky, the U.S.'s main bourbon-producing state, especially concerning restrictions on the oak barrels used for aging spirits. U.S. Trade Representative Jamie Greer later confirmed that this measure will allow UK whisky preferential tax treatment to enter the U.S. market.
This tariff exemption represents a major diplomatic success for the UK, as the U.S. is the largest export market for Scotch whisky, with exports valued at $1.2 billion (approximately 49 billion baht) annually. Previously, whisky faced a 10% import tax during Trump's second term, which was expected to rise to 25% if the existing trade truce expired this year.
The announcement came amid tense relations between the U.S. and European allies, including the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, over the Iran war involving the U.S. and Israel.
Peter Kyle, the UK Secretary of State for Trade, welcomed the news, calling it an important step that will help protect thousands of jobs across the UK whisky industry.
Meanwhile, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that King Charles III sincerely thanks President Trump for this decision and said the King "will drink whisky" as a gesture of gratitude for the president’s kindness and warm welcome before returning home.
Although officials described the visit as a celebration of the U.S. approaching its 250th anniversary of independence from Britain, analysts view it as the British monarchy effectively using "soft power" to strengthen global trade relations.
/Reuters/ AFP