Scotland Presses the United States to Lift the 10% Tariff on Scotch Whisky

Scotland’s whisky industry is pressing for the removal of the 10% tariff on Scotch whisky sold in the United States after what the Scottish government described as progress in talks with American officials.

The Scottish government said Katherine Tai, the U.S. trade representative, met with Scottish officials and industry leaders to discuss the future of Scotch whisky trade and the dispute that led to the tariff. According to the government, discussions are continuing as both sides work toward a possible settlement.

The tariff has been a central concern for Scotch producers because the United States is one of their most important export markets. A 10% duty can raise costs for importers and distributors and complicate pricing decisions for brands competing in bars, restaurants and retail stores across the American market.

Scottish officials said removing the tariff would support an industry that plays a major role in Scotland’s economy and employment. The government did not announce a final agreement or a timetable for ending the duty, but it said it is continuing to work with counterparts in the U.K. government to seek a resolution.

The issue matters beyond distillers in Scotland. Any change in the tariff could affect purchasing plans, margins and supply arrangements in the U.S. spirits business, where importers, wholesalers and hospitality operators have had to account for added costs on Scotch. It could also have implications for longer-term cooperation between Scotland and Kentucky, especially in the barrel trade that links American oak and bourbon casks with Scotch maturation.

The latest contacts suggest that trade officials are still trying to resolve the dispute rather than leave the tariff in place indefinitely. For producers, that keeps open the possibility of more stable access to the U.S. market at a time when companies are watching costs closely and trying to plan shipments, pricing and inventory with greater certainty.