NextFin news, Donald Trump's second state visit to the United Kingdom ended on Thursday, September 18, 2025, without a deal to remove the 10% tariffs imposed on Scotch whisky exports to the United States.
The visit, which included high-level meetings and a state banquet at Windsor Castle, saw Scottish First Minister John Swinney actively lobbying for the removal of tariffs on Scotch whisky, a product legally produced only in Scotland and a significant export for the Scottish economy.
Despite weeks of diplomatic efforts and Swinney's direct appeal to President Trump during the state banquet on Wednesday night, no update or breakthrough on the tariff issue was announced at the conclusion of the visit.
First Minister Swinney stated, "I have been clear about the importance of building a constructive relationship with the United States to promote the economic interests of Scotland, particularly the Scotch whisky industry. While we await further updates on whisky tariffs, I am pleased we have succeeded in putting it firmly on the trade agenda." He emphasized the need for continued focus from the UK Government on this matter.
The Scottish Government has been advocating for Scotch whisky to be exempt from the standard 10% duty charged on spirits imported into the US, hoping to achieve zero-for-zero tariffs as part of ongoing UK-US trade negotiations.
Alongside the tariff discussions, the state visit also featured the signing of a technology prosperity deal between the US and UK, aimed at boosting cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies, with significant US investment pledged for the UK.
However, the Scotch whisky tariff issue remains unresolved as the visit concluded, with both the Scottish and UK governments expected to continue negotiations with the US administration.
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