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4w ago

Swinney Holds 50-Minute Oval Office Meeting Over 10% U.S. Scotch Whisky Tariff

The high-profile push seeks to shape UK–US trade talks before the president’s state visit, with no deal reached and the UK team responsible for any change.

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Overview

  • Swinney said he argued for a zero-for-zero approach on spirits after meeting Scotch Whisky Association and U.S. Distilled Spirits Council representatives at Mount Vernon.
  • He reported a constructive 50-minute Oval Office discussion with President Trump, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in attendance.
  • No agreement was concluded, and Swinney emphasized that any decision on the 10% levy must be secured by UK negotiators.
  • The lobbying effort is timed ahead of the president’s UK state visit, and Swinney confirmed he will attend the state banquet at Windsor Palace.
  • Industry figures say the tariff is costing about £4 million a week and has contributed to job losses in a sector that exported nearly £1 billion to the U.S. in 2024 and buys bourbon casks from Kentucky.