Half a cheer for “canny diplomacy” ending US tariffs on Scotch whisky – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today welcomed news that the US will remove all tariffs and restrictions on whisky imports following King Charles’s state visit this week.

Industry representatives said distillers would be able to “breathe a little easier during a period of significant pressure on the sector”. Mr Carmichael noted, however, that based on the UK’s past experience with Donald Trump there was a risk of the deal being overturned again in the future.

Mr Carmichael said:

“We can raise half a cheer to King Charles and the UK government for what appears to have been some canny diplomacy to get this over the line. Our whisky industry, including in the isles, has been taking a hit from these unnecessary tariffs so any mitigation to that has to be welcomed.

“The caveat to the celebration, of course, is the knowledge that for as long as Donald Trump is in the White House there is the risk of more capricious tariffs and trade wars. We know that Trump is quite willing tomorrow to overturn agreements he made yesterday so we should see this as a positive moment – but no cause for complacency.

“Scotch whisky is the jewel in the crown of Scotland and the UK’s export industry – the government must be ready to go to bat for it again as and when it is needed.”