First shipment of tariff-free Scotch to leave UK for US following deal
First Minister hails ‘significant benefit’ for Scottish producer as deal brokered during King’s visit to US in April comes into effect
The first shipment of tariff-free Scotch will leave the UK for the US this weekend after President Donald Trump lifted the levy in a boost for the whisky industry.
First Minister John Swinney said there will be a “significant benefit” for Scottish producers after tariffs were removed following an agreement struck during the King’s state visit to the US in April.
Marking the occasion, a high-value air freight of premium Scotch distilled in Aberdeenshire will depart this weekend from Manchester to Philadelphia – the first such freight to the US to enjoy no import taxes.
The shipment, worth £60,000, has used exclusively digital trade processes rather than paper-based documentation which cuts down shipping costs and loading times, with the UK continuing to pave the way for digital trade globally.
UK Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “This historic shipment demonstrates why trade deals with our largest economic partners matter. We will create more breathing space for business – whether that’s cutting unnecessary paperwork for exporters, or cutting bills for pubs.”
The whisky industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 jobs across the UK according to the Scotch Whisky Association.
Smaller businesses are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries of the shift to digital trade, enabling them to compete internationally.
UK whisky exports were worth £5.4 billion in 2025, while whisky exports to the US alone were worth £1 billion.
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “This trade milestone between the US and UK shows the bonds the countries have and the benefits from working closely in partnership.
“I’m sure many in Scotland and the US will be raising a dram today to celebrate the ending of tariffs on one of our most beloved and respected Scottish products.”
The Atlantic Proof Scotch being transported is a rare, limited-edition premium Scotch whisky matured in American oak casks.
Andrew Skene, owner of Skene Whisky, said: “Atlantic Proof is a celebration of Scotch whisky, but it is also a practical step forward for exporters.
“For whisky producers, access to the US market matters, and anything that reduces paperwork, delays, and friction helps us focus on what we do best: making great whisky and getting it to customers around the world.”
Although the 10 per cent tariff on whisky was lifted on Friday, Mr Trump’s administration imposed a new 10 per cent levy on UK imports for other goods.
Mr Swinney said the removal of tariffs on Scotch whisky is a “very, very welcome development” for the industry and for the Scottish economy.
“The industry has been suffering very challenging times recently, and tariffs simply made those challenges even more acute,” Mr Swinney said.
“The effect of that is to result in the loss of jobs here in Scotland, but also in the United States, where we have relationships around the cask trade.
“So, the removal of tariffs will be good for jobs and investment and the economy of Scotland, and I welcome the progress that’s been made.”
Ian Duddy, international director at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “The removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US.
“From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and US whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.”
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