Trump leaves Scotch on the rocks as UK-U.S. talks stall on tariffs
Scotland lobbied for zero tariffs on Scotch in exchange for bourbon concessions, but no accord was reached as the state visit concluded
U.S. President Donald Trump left the United Kingdom without a tariff breakthrough on Scotch whisky, despite sustained lobbying from Scotland’s government and the industry’s representatives. The 10% duty that applies to most UK-produced spirits entering the United States remained in place, and there was no movement on the higher 25% tariff on steel. The state visit, which featured a lavish royal welcome and a new U.S.-UK technology partnership, did not yield a negotiated whisky breakthrough.
First Minister John Swinney met with Trump in the Oval Office about 50 minutes before the state visit began, pressing for a “win-win” arrangement in which Scotch whisky would enter the United States with zero tariffs in exchange for zero tariffs on U.S. bourbon and for the possibility of modernizing the transfer of bourbon casks used in Scotch production. Swinney said there could be a real chance of a deal if the UK government continued to push the argument. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander separately underscored that whisky was a high priority in UK trade talks and had been under consideration for months. Ahead of the London leg of the trip, Trump had signaled a possible opening, saying Washington was “into helping them” refine its trade deal with the UK.
In Washington, there was no public indication of progress on whisky during the joint news conference at Chequers with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer—highlighting a broader picture in which trade issues did not feature prominently in the public-facing moments of the visit. Trump used the event to celebrate a broader U.S.-UK tech partnership intended to unlock investment in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear power, while offering no new commitments on tariffs. He later described the U.S.-UK trade agreement in a Fox News interview as a “done deal” and “complete,” suggesting to viewers that the path to renegotiation, if any, remained uncertain.
On Swinney’s return to Scotland, he said he had received a fair hearing on the whisky issue and avoided criticizing UK ministers personally for their handling. Still, his willingness to engage with Trump drew some criticism within the Scottish National Party for entertaining the U.S. president at the state banquet instead of boycotting the event. Swinney argued that continued engagement could yield dividends and even bolster his standing with Holyrood elections looming, framing the trip as a chance to advance Scotland’s interests through direct dialogue with Washington.
Beyond whisky, the broader U.S.-UK relationship remains defined by a mix of shared aims and disagreements. The two governments appear to have divergent views on Middle East and Ukraine policy, with Swinney seeking alignment with the UK position on these issues. The access afforded by having the U.S. president’s ear remains a meaningful asset for both the prime minister and the first minister, even as the president’s broader “America First” agenda continues to shape outcomes. Trump’s affection for the UK and Scotland—where his family ties and golf resorts feature prominently—appears to help sustain a high-level dialogue, but it does not by itself guarantee policy concessions.
The private assurances cited by sources close to negotiations suggested the prime minister raised whisky privately and that discussions would continue with U.S. and UK officials as early as next week. Downing Street had not publicly confirmed those specifics, leaving the timetable for possible progress unclear. Swinney stressed that, despite the lack of a public breakthrough, the opportunity to press Scotland’s case directly with the president remained valuable and could bear fruit as negotiations evolve.
Looking ahead, political and economic observers note that while whisky is emblematic of the broader trade talks, many other priorities appear to color the trajectory of U.S.-UK negotiations. The White House’s willingness to entertain high-profile discussions with British leaders underscores the importance Washington attaches to its relationship with London, even as domestic and international pressures pull in different directions. In Scotland and the broader UK, ministers and lawmakers alike will be watching closely to see whether a future opening on Scotch whisky tariff terms emerges—and whether any accord could be tied to broader concessions in areas such as tariffs on steel or other goods.
The episode underscores a recurring theme in U.S.-UK trade diplomacy: direct access to the U.S. president can unlock dialogue and keep issues on the table, but it does not guarantee that contentious points will be resolved quickly or at all. As officials in London and Holyrood map next steps, stakeholders across industry and politics will be seeking signs of momentum on whisky while continuing to press for a broader, workable framework for transatlantic trade that can withstand the pressures of Brexit-era economic realignment and global geopolitical tension.