Trump Scraps Whisky Tariffs in Rare Royal Deal After King Charles State Visit

US President Donald Trump has announced the removal of tariffs and trade restrictions on whisky imports following a state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States, in a move that marks a major shift in transatlantic trade policy.

Trump said the decision was taken in honour of the royal visit, which he credited with helping unlock an agreement on whisky trade between the United States and the United Kingdom, particularly between Scotland and Kentucky’s bourbon industry.

The US president confirmed that the tariff removal would apply broadly to whisky imports, including Irish whiskey, and would also lift restrictions affecting cooperation between producers in Scotland and the US state of Kentucky.

The UK government welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant boost for exporters. Industry stakeholders also said the move would ease long standing pressure on distillers who have faced higher costs due to tariffs imposed in recent years.

Buckingham Palace said King Charles sent his “sincere gratitude” to Trump following the announcement, adding that the King would “be raising a dram” in appreciation of the gesture.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney described the development as “tremendous news for Scotland,” noting that the whisky sector had suffered substantial monthly losses under the tariff regime.

Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, said the decision reflected the historic ties between Scotland and Kentucky, especially their shared use of bourbon barrels in whisky production.

Trade bodies representing the Scotch whisky industry said the removal of tariffs would bring immediate relief, describing it as a major win for exporters and a stabilising step for one of the UK’s most important industries.