UPDATE: Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has just met with Warren Stephens, the US ambassador to the UK, to discuss urgent measures for cutting tariffs on Scotch whisky. The meeting took place at Bute House in Edinburgh on Saturday morning, just hours before both leaders attended a whisky industry event and the Scottish rugby team faced the US at Murrayfield.
This meeting comes as UK negotiators are set to fly to Washington next week, pushing for improved trade terms that could significantly affect Scotland’s whisky exports. Currently, a 10% tariff is imposed on Scotch whisky entering the US, a levy that Swinney emphasizes is detrimental to both Scottish and Kentucky bourbon industries.
After the meeting, Swinney stated, “It was a pleasure to meet with ambassador Stephens today. We had a lengthy discussion about the shared interests of both countries and the impact of tariffs on one of Scotland’s most important exports.” He continued, “A reduction or removal of these tariffs would benefit both nations.”
The stakes are high as whisky exports are crucial to Scotland’s economy, and Swinney has been actively pursuing this issue, having met with former President Donald Trump four times this year to advocate for a deal.
In addition to whisky tariffs, Swinney raised concerns about the UK Government’s windfall tax on oil and gas companies, which he argues is harming investor confidence in Scotland’s energy sector. “The ambassador and I also discussed the energy profits levy, which is having a damaging impact on confidence and investment,” he noted.
Critics, including Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, have called Swinney’s international efforts into question, suggesting he should concentrate on domestic matters. Alexander met the ambassador on Friday and emphasized the need for swift negotiations, highlighting the political tension surrounding the whisky tariff discussions.
As negotiations loom, all eyes are on the UK team heading to Washington, with many hoping for favorable outcomes that could reshape trade relations. The impact of these decisions will be felt not just in Scotland but also across the Atlantic in the US, making this an issue of international concern.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for potential announcements that could change the landscape for Scotch whisky exports and the broader economic ties between Scotland and the United States.
