By Susana Blaya
Glasgow, United Kingdom, May 1 (EFE).- The decision by US President Donald Trump to lift tariffs on Scotch whisky has brought relief to producers in Scotland, while quickly becoming a focal point in the country’s election campaign.
The move, described as a goodwill gesture toward King Charles III, is seen as a significant boost to a sector that is central to Scotland’s economy and cultural identity.
Exports to the United States, the industry’s most valuable market, had declined sharply, with losses estimated at around £4 million per week, according to the Scotch Whisky Association.
In 2025, the US accounted for nearly £933 million in Scotch whisky exports, within a sector valued at £5.3 billion globally and exporting more than 1.3 billion bottles, the association said. Key markets also include France, Germany, and Spain.
Transatlantic trade in whisky also relies on imports of American bourbon barrels, worth around £200 million annually, which are essential for the aging process.
Political Fallout
The announcement has quickly become a major issue in Scotland’s parliamentary election campaign ahead of the May 7 vote.
First Minister John Swinney, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), welcomed the move as “tremendous news” and said Trump had personally thanked him for his role in facilitating the outcome.
Opposition parties challenged that claim. The Scottish Labour Party argued that the breakthrough was the result of efforts by the UK government and industry stakeholders.
Deputy leader Jackie Baillie said the decision reflected “months of work” by British authorities, while party leader Anas Sarwar cautioned against politicians claiming undue credit, highlighting instead the role of trade negotiators and King Charles III.
Other parties also weighed in.
The Scottish Greens welcomed the move but warned of the unpredictability of US trade policy and called for diversification, while the Scottish Conservative Party emphasized the importance of UK-wide diplomatic relations.
Candidates across parties visited distilleries during the day, underscoring the sector’s prominence in the campaign.
Economic Significance
Beyond the political debate, the lifting of tariffs reinforces the importance of Scotch whisky as one of Scotland’s flagship exports and a major source of employment.
Industry leaders say the measure could help stabilize exports and restore growth in a key market, at a time when global demand remains strong but sensitive to trade disruptions. EFE
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