Kentucky whiskey producers expressed the pressure they were experiencing from increased costs due to tariffs.
President Donald Trump moved to lift tariffs on certain imports between Scotland and Kentucky after King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the U.S. As the royal couple’s visit to the U.S. came to an end, President Trump announced the U.S. tariff on whiskey and other spirits imported from the European Union, which was reinstated in March 2025, would be eased. The tariffs were originally imposed in President Trump’s first term, but rescinded during President Biden’s administration.
“In honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom… I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland’s ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon, two very important Industries within Scotland and Kentucky,” President Donald Trump stated on social media. “People have wanted to do this for a long time, in that there had been great Inter-Country Trade, especially having to do with the Wooden Barrels used.”
Select whiskey distilleries in Kentucky use Scotch barrels to age their bourbon, and the distilleries’ ability to import them was affected as part of the numerous tariffs the president ordered. Since the U.K. did not place a tariff on American spirits, Kentucky producers bore the brunt of the increased costs.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For President Trump as he assesses the needs of American manufacturers regarding imported goods and materials.
- For U.S. economic officials as they evaluate the nation’s economy and the benefits and risks of tariffs.
- For the president and members of his administration as they nurture relationships with historical allies.
Sources: UPI News, The Hill
