US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would remove tariffs on whisky imports from the United Kingdom, describing the step as a gesture to King Charles III at the end of a state visit marking the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of US independence.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said tariffs and restrictions affecting Scotland’s ability to work with Kentucky on whisky and bourbon production would be lifted. “In honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom,” he wrote.
Trump, who has used tariffs as part of his foreign policy approach, praised Charles during the four-day visit and said the decision followed longstanding calls to ease trade barriers. “People have wanted to do this for a long time,” he said, referring to trade links between the two countries, including the use of wooden barrels.
“The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking,” Trump added.
The visit, officially linked to the upcoming anniversary celebrations, also comes at a time when relations between Washington and some European allies, including the UK, have faced strain over their stance on the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.
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British trade minister Peter Kyle welcomed the move, saying it would benefit the Scotch whisky sector.
“This is great news for our Scotch whisky industry, which is worth almost £1 billion in exports and supports thousands of jobs across the UK,” he said.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said Charles had expressed “sincere gratitude” for the decision.
“His Majesty will be raising a dram to the President’s thoughtfulness and generous hospitality,” the spokesperson said, as the King concluded the visit.
