Removal of US tariffs on Scotch whisky welcomed
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam has joined MP David Linden MP in welcoming the removal of US tariffs on Scotch whisky after a cross-party campaign led by the SNP.
According to global spirits brand, Beam Suntory, losses to Scotch whisky exports have reached £600 million following US tariffs connected to the Airbus-Boeing dispute.
An agreement has been reached between the UK and US to suspend the tariffs for five years, which have hit whisky and other industries.
A trade dispute between the US and EU countries over aerospace subsidies has seen retaliatory tariffs levied on products on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Scotch Whisky Association estimates a 25 per cent extra charge placed on single malt Scotch whisky by the Trump administration has since cost the sector hundreds of millions of pounds in lost revenue.
The UK government says it took a decision at the start of this year to unilaterally suspend its tariffs on the US.
Ms Adam said: “Scottish whisky is a vital part of our history, culture and economy. The Scottish whisky industry should never have been on the table during the Tory trade dispute.
“I’m delighted to join my colleague MP David Linden in welcoming the removal of whisky tariffs after profound pressure from the SNP to do so.
“I spoke recently in Parliament about how Scotland’s economy had dealt with the ‘double whammy’ of Covid and Brexit, but the whisky industry has been hit with a triple whammy of Covid, Brexit, and Tariff restrictions.
"I will do all I can to support the Scottish whisky industry along my coastal constituency and beyond.”
Mr Linden, chairman of Westminster’s all-party parliamentary group on Scotch whisky, went to Washington DC in February 2020 to lobby US Congressional colleagues as part of the cross-party campaign to remove the tariffs on Scotch whisky.
Mr Linden said: “From the outset, Scotch whisky should never have been caught in the cross-fire of this trade dispute and the removal of the tariffs will see the industry in Scotland breathe a massive sigh of relief.
“Whilst this announcement is very welcome after months of cross-party campaigning, the losses to Scotch Whisky exports have been eye-watering and it will take time for the industry to get back on its feet. That’s why further support is absolutely vital.
“Scotch whisky plays a crucial role in the success of Scotland’s food and drinks sector and our economy but the industry has been dealt a triple whammy with the economic impacts of the tariffs, Brexit and the pandemic.
“Going forward, we need to see continued and intensified support for Scotch whisky and that includes a response to the long-awaited Treasury review of alcohol duty.
“Today is a big step forward but the UK government has far more to do to support this iconic Scottish brand.”
