President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he would eliminate all tariffs and restrictions on Scotch whisky imports to the United States, crediting the decision to King Charles III and Queen Camilla's recently concluded state visit.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "In Honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, who have just left the White House, soon headed back to their wonderful Country, I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland’s ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon, two very important Industries within Scotland and Kentucky." He added, "The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!" Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, "I took all the restrictions off, so Scotland and Kentucky can start dealing again. And I did it in honor of the King and Queen who just left."

The move lifts a 10% tariff imposed in 2025 under a U.S.-U.K. trade framework, which had reduced Scotch exports to the U.S. by 15% and cost the industry an estimated £150 million in lost sales over the past year, or about £4 million per week. The tariff was set to rise to 25% on premium single malts this spring. The U.S. remains the largest market for Scotch whisky, which accounts for 23% of Scotland's goods exports and supports 40,000 jobs.

Trump highlighted the mutual benefits, particularly the trade in used bourbon barrels from Kentucky, which produces nearly all the world's bourbon and supplies Scotland's distillers with casks worth around £200 million annually. The decision also extends to Irish whisky.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla's state visit ran from April 27 to 30, hosted by Trump. The itinerary included a White House state arrival ceremony, the king's address to a joint session of Congress, only the second by a British monarch, a state banquet, visits to New York City for trade events and memorials, and trips to Virginia, including Arlington National Cemetery and Shenandoah National Park.

Industry leaders welcomed the announcement. Mark Kent, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, called it a "significant boost" that allows distillers to "breathe a little easier" and reinvigorates ties between Scotch and American whiskey producers. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney described it as "tremendous news," noting millions of pounds in monthly losses had threatened jobs. Chris Swonger of the Distilled Spirits Council hailed it as a "major victory," strengthening transatlantic ties and providing certainty for U.S. hospitality businesses.

The U.K. government confirmed the changes apply to all whisky tariffs. Buckingham Palace issued a statement from the king expressing gratitude for the "warm gesture." The repeal underscores improving U.S.-U.K. trade relations amid broader negotiations.