American Spirits Industry Thanks Trump for ‘Much Needed’ Elimination of Tariffs on Scotch Whisky

President Donald Trump speaks at the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday, July 23, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is applauding the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate tariffs on Scotch whisky and other UK whiskies, calling the move an important step toward restoring free trade in spirits.

In a statement released Thursday evening, DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger thanked President Donald Trump for following through on his pledge to remove the tariffs.

“We thank President Trump for delivering on his commitment to remove the tariff on Scotch and other UK whiskies and for recognizing the longstanding heritage, craftsmanship and distilling traditions that unite the United States and United Kingdom,” Swonger said in a statement.

Swonger said lifting the tariffs would provide “much-needed relief” for restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses that rely on imported spirits.

“Lifting this tariff provides much-needed relief for U.S. hospitality businesses and demonstrates the benefits of fair, reciprocal trade,” he said. “It is a meaningful step toward restoring the zero-for-zero tariff framework that fueled growth, investment and job creation throughout the spirits sector for decades.”

The trade group has long advocated for a return to reciprocal zero-tariff treatment on spirits between the United States and its major trading partners, arguing that tariffs ultimately increase costs throughout the supply chain while limiting consumer choice.

While welcoming the latest development, DISCUS said additional work remains.

“We look forward to working with the administration to build on this progress by extending tariff relief to other imported spirits, particularly those from the European Union, which would help reduce costs for restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses across the country,” Swonger said.