Trump's tariff strategy extends beyond whiskey to European trade
Trump's tariff policy balances selective relief on whiskey and cork with threats against European wine.
Event / Geopolitics
Trump Scottish Whiskey Tariff Removal
President Trump announces removal of 10% tariff on Scottish whiskey following White House visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The tariff, imposed in April 2025, had caused a 15% decline in Scottish whiskey shipments to the US. The move is welcomed by spirits industry leaders as strengthening transatlantic trade ties.
3 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 May, 00:37 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit White House
King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom visited the White House this week. During their stay, the King had a number of private conversations with President Trump. The visit resulted in trade discussions that led to the removal of tariffs on Scottish whiskey.
President Trump removes 10% tariff on Scottish whiskey
President Donald Trump announced the removal of a 10% tariff on Scottish whiskey that had been imposed in April 2025. The tariff removal was announced on Thursday following a White House visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Trump stated the decision was made in honor of the royal visit and cited the importance of trade between Scotland and Kentucky in whiskey and bourbon production, as well as the trade in wooden barrels used for aging spirits.
Trump administration exempts cork from tariffs
The Trump administration exempted cork from tariffs, providing relief to Portugal, the leading supplier of cork used to cap wine bottles. This exemption followed Trump's threat of a 200% tariff on European wine that was ultimately not implemented.
Trump threatens 200% tariff on European wine
President Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European wine, which would have been a major potential blow to French and Italian vineyards. The threat was not followed through with implementation.
Scottish whiskey imports to US declined 15% under tariffs
Shipments of Scottish whiskey to the United States dropped by 15% between May and December 2025 following the imposition of the 10% tariff in April 2025, according to the Scottish Whiskey Association.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Trump lifts Scottish whiskey tariff during royal visit
Trump removes Scottish whiskey tariff during King Charles's White House visit.