President Donald Trump announced at the end of his Sunday visit to Ireland that he will eliminate the 10% tariff on Irish whiskey. This tariff is currently part of the duties imposed on the export of wines and spirits from the European Union to the United States, according to reports.
Trump made this announcement in front of a crowd of Irish golf fans during a tournament at his family’s golf course. On Saturday, he met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, kicking off his 48-hour visit to the country.
“The Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) and I spoke about this, Shane (golfer Shane Lowry) mentioned it, and everyone asked me, saying: ‘Could you do me a favor? What is happening is so unfair. Could you remove the tariffs on Irish whiskey?'” Trump shared.
He added, “And I said, on behalf of the United States of America: I will remove the tariffs on Irish whiskey,” prompting loud cheers from the audience.
Trump’s Change of Heart
The export of wines and spirits to the U.S. was subjected to a 15% tariff that affected most goods under a trade agreement between the EU and the U.S. signed last year.
Additional U.S. tariffs on 60 trading partners, implemented in July, also affected the European Union. As a result, the rate was reduced to 10%. This was part of Trump’s efforts to restore a nearly global tariff system after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his previous tariffs.
According to reports, the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) welcomed Trump’s announcement. The organization stated it will continue to collaborate with its counterparts in the EU and the U.S. to achieve a return to zero tariffs under a “zero for zero” principle for the export of all alcoholic beverages.
“Nothing embodies the trade relationship between the U.S. and Ireland better than Irish whiskey,” said IWA Director Eoin O’Caitin in a statement. He added that the organization looks forward to the full implementation of the announced decision.
