Zero-tariff Scotch is back in the US market
The Scotch Whisky Association reports that tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to the United States were removed on 24 July 2026, following an exemption that had been announced back in April.
The US is the most valuable export market for Scotch anywhere in the world, worth 933 million pounds in 2025, so the change matters a great deal to producers. The association's International Director, Ian Duddy, said the return of tariff-free trade benefits businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and gives companies more confidence to invest and grow their exports.
He also pointed to the wider chain that depends on the spirit: cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail, in Scotland and in the US. The association thanked everyone involved, including King Charles III, whose recent State Visit it said had helped, and it plans to build on this progress with partners in both countries.
As someone who just likes reading about whisky, I find it a relief to see some good trade news for a change. Tariffs are one of those things that rarely show up in tasting notes but end up affecting what ends up on shelves and at what price. It will be interesting to see whether it changes the range of Scotch available in American bars this autumn.
Source: Scotch Whisky Association
The US is the most valuable export market for Scotch anywhere in the world, worth 933 million pounds in 2025, so the change matters a great deal to producers. The association's International Director, Ian Duddy, said the return of tariff-free trade benefits businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and gives companies more confidence to invest and grow their exports.
He also pointed to the wider chain that depends on the spirit: cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail, in Scotland and in the US. The association thanked everyone involved, including King Charles III, whose recent State Visit it said had helped, and it plans to build on this progress with partners in both countries.
As someone who just likes reading about whisky, I find it a relief to see some good trade news for a change. Tariffs are one of those things that rarely show up in tasting notes but end up affecting what ends up on shelves and at what price. It will be interesting to see whether it changes the range of Scotch available in American bars this autumn.
Source: Scotch Whisky Association
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