King Charles III and President Donald Trump toast during a state banquet for Queen Camilla at the White House in Washington D.C. on the second day of their U.S. state visit. [Reuters]

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 30th (local time) that he would eliminate tariffs and restrictions on whiskey and bourbon from Scotland and Kentucky.

Trump stated on Truth Social that he made this announcement "in honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, who have just departed the White House and are returning to their country shortly."

He explained, "This is a measure to promote cooperation between our two countries in the production of whiskey and bourbon, two important industries in Scotland and Kentucky," adding, "Given the robust trade between our nations, particularly in the area of wooden barrels, many people have wanted such measures for a long time."

Trump added, "Even though the King and Queen did not ask me to, they have inspired me to accomplish what no one else could!" and "It is an honor to host them in the United States."

This measure will abolish the 10% ad valorem tariff on imports of British whiskey, which has been in effect since May 2025.

The decision aims to restore trade relations between the Scottish whisky industry and the Kentucky bourbon industry, particularly focusing on the exchange of wooden barrels used in production.

The British government confirmed that this tariff elimination will apply to all whiskey tariffs, including Irish whiskey produced in the UK.

The Scotch Whisky Association stated that the industry lost approximately £4 million per week during the period when tariffs were imposed.

U.S. spirits industry groups, including the Distilled Spirits Council, welcomed the move, stating that it restores the "zero-for-zero" model of fair trade between the two countries.

Immediately after the announcement, stocks of major spirits companies such as Diageo rose by 4%.

NNP Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent for this newspaper NNP info@newsandpost.com