First Minister Travels to Washington D.C. to Advocate for Better Deal on Scotch Whisky Tariffs

Strategic Insights -

The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, has joined a delegation from the Scotch Whisky Association on a trip to Washington D.C. to advocate for a better deal on Scotch Whisky tariffs. The trip comes as the UK and USA negotiate a new trade agreement, with the goal of achieving zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits. The Scottish Government's priority is to grow the economy, with the whisky industry employing over 40,000 workers, many located in rural areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The First Minister has traveled to Washington D.C. to press for a better deal on Scotch Whisky tariffs that are currently costing £4 million per week.
  • The goal is to achieve zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits as part of the UK-USA trade negotiations.
  • The trip aims to support the Scottish Government's priority to grow the economy, with the whisky industry employing over 40,000 workers.
  • The First Minister will be joined by a delegation from the Scotch Whisky Association to advocate for a better deal, including ideal zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits.
  • The whisky industry employs more than 40,000 workers, many located in rural areas, and sustains businesses in Scotland.
  • The United States is the largest market for Scotch whisky, but Scottish distillers also spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year buying Bourbon casks from Kentucky.
  • The reduction of tariffs is in the interests of both Scotland and the United States, as Scotch whisky and US Whiskey share a close and longstanding trade relationship.
  • The current 10% tariff is costing the Scotch Whisky industry £4 million a week in lost exports, with businesses losing out on investment, employment, and growth.
  • The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) will engage with the First Minister to promote the interests of Scotch whisky and make the case for a better tariff deal.
  • Scotland and the United States share a rich tradition of whisky-making, rooted in centuries of heritage and craftsmanship.

Statistics:

  • £4 million: weekly loss in exports due to the 10% tariff on Scotch whisky.
  • 40,000: number of workers employed in the whisky industry in Scotland.
  • £4 million: weekly cost to the Scotch Whisky industry due to the current 10% tariff.
  • Hundreds of millions of dollars: what Scottish distillers spend every year buying Bourbon casks from Kentucky.

Sources:

  • Scotch Whisky Association
  • Original Press Release: Sept. 9
  • The First Minister's visit to the United States to press the case for removal of Scotch Whisky tariffs is a positive and timely intervention ahead of the President's forthcoming State Visit to the UK.