Scotland (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney held a meeting with the US ambassador to the UK to push for lower whisky tariffs and discuss trade and energy issues.
As reported by The Standard, John Swinney met Warren Stephens to discuss cutting Scotch whisky tariffs.
At his Edinburgh residence, Bute House, John Swinney held a meeting with the US ambassador ahead of a whisky industry event and Scotland-US rugby match.
What did John Swinney say about cutting whisky tariffs?
The First Minister has reportedly pushed for a 10% cut on Scotch, meeting President Trump four times this year to secure a deal.
Next week, British officials will head to Washington to seek improved terms in the trade deal with the US.
Speaking after the meeting with the ambassador, Mr Swinney said,
“It was a pleasure to meet with ambassador Stephens at my official residence, Bute House, today. We had a lengthy discussion about the shared interests of both countries and how we can continue to foster our long-standing cultural and economic ties.”
The First Minister stated,
“We discussed the impact of tariffs on one of Scotland’s most important exports, Scotch whisky. I set out how the measures were affecting both Scotch whisky and the Kentucky bourbon industry, and that a reduction or removal would be in the interests of both countries.”
He added,
“The responsibility for the wider trade negotiations rests with the UK negotiating team, who will travel to the United States next week, but I will continue to do all that I can to protect and safeguard this iconic Scottish product.”
During talks, he raised concerns over the windfall tax on oil and gas companies, with the ambassador, whose administration strongly supports the sector.
Mr Swinney posted on X,
“Scotland and the USA are longstanding friends and
Partners. Today First Minister: @JohnSwinney met@USAmbUK where he continued to press for a reduction on tariff rates for Scotch whisky.”
He added,
“They also discussed Scotland’s energy sector and our thriving financial services industry.”
Referring to the meeting, Mr Swinney said,
“The ambassador and I also discussed Scotland’s energy industry and the UK Government’s energy profits levy, which is having a deeply damaging impact on confidence, stability and investment.”
He added,
“I continue to call on the UK Government to reflect on that and ensure that we can create the conditions for sustainable energy and accelerate sustainable supply job creation in the north-east.”
What did Douglas Alexander say about John Swinney’s whisky talks?
The First Minister faced criticism for his push to secure a whisky deal. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said Mr Swinney should focus on domestic matters, calling his visit a “day trip to Washington.”
Mr Alexander held talks with the ambassador, confirming both sides agreed negotiations should progress swiftly.
What did Donald Trump say about UK wind power and North Sea gas?
During his July state visit, US President Donald Trump renewed his attack on wind power and urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to focus on North Sea gas development.
He posted on Truth Social that Britain must “incentivise the drillers,” claiming there is a “VAST FORTUNE TO BE MADE.”
What did the End Fuel Poverty Coalition say about Trump’s fossil fuel push?
A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, stated,
“The President remains steadfast in towing the line of his fossil fuel backers who are gaslighting the British public about our energy future. The truth is, the North Sea is running out of gas – we have burned most of it. By 2027 it won’t even produce enough to heat our homes and only 14% of its original reserves remain commercially viable.”
They said,
“No amount of bluster about drilling or fracking will bring back cheap gas, all it does is lock households into more reliance on volatile global gas markets. The UK is leading the way and showing the world that scaling up renewables and upgrading homes is the fastest, cheapest route to lower bills and lasting energy security.”
The coalition added,
“Of course we need to go further to bring down bills by reforming electricity pricing, but this won’t be achieved by importing Donald Trump’s fossil fuel agenda.”
How much are the tariffs on Scotch whisky?
The US administration has imposed a 10% tariff on Scotch whisky, costing UK distillers nearly £20 million per month. A separate 25% tariff on Single Malt remains suspended until June 2026, linked to a long-running aerospace dispute.
Industry groups warn these tariffs could cause over $300 million in US retail losses.
What are the tariffs?
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on goods and services coming into a country from abroad. Its purpose is to make foreign products more expensive for domestic consumers.
Governments use tariffs to protect their own industries from foreign competition or to generate revenue for the government.