‘Another Positive Step’: US Spirits Industry Welcomes Trump’s Decision to Remove Tariffs on Irish Whiskey

President Donald Trump gestures as he walks onto the 18th green for the Irish Open golf tournament trophy presentation ceremony at Trump International Golf Links Ireland on Sept. 13 in Doonbeg, Ireland. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

The U.S. spirits industry is welcoming President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States will remove its 10% tariff on Irish whiskey.

Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, called the announcement “another positive step toward reducing barriers to spirits trade.”

“Following President Trump’s earlier action to remove tariffs on Scotch and all other UK whiskies, this announcement is another positive step toward reducing barriers to spirits trade,” Swonger said in a statement. “As U.S. hospitality businesses enter the critical holiday season, this action will provide a welcome boost for retailers, restaurants, consumers and the American economy.”

Trump announced the tariff move Sunday during the Irish Open at his family-owned golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland. The announcement came after Trump met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and as Irish golfer Shane Lowry, who won the tournament, was among those who had urged Trump to remove the tariff.

Irish whiskey currently faces a 10% U.S. tariff as part of duties imposed on wine and spirits from the European Union. The rate was reduced from 15% in July.

Trump did not provide a timeline for when the tariff would be removed, and details on how the administration would implement the announcement were not immediately available.

The Irish Whiskey Association also welcomed Trump’s announcement, saying it would continue working with U.S. and European officials toward a return to zero-for-zero tariffs across beverage exports.