Negotiations still ongoing on removal of whiskey tariffs

Negotiations on the removal of US tariffs on Irish whiskey continue, following President Donald Trump's announcement at his Doonbeg golf course last month. Currently, Irish whiskey sold in the US is subject to a 10% tariff, putting it at a disadvantage compared to Scotch and Irish whiskey made in Northern Ireland, which are not subject to a tariff.

US Trade Representative's spokesperson confirmed that work on removing the tariff is still ongoing, with the Department wanting the changes implemented as soon as possible. Ireland aims for zero tariffs on all EU spirits, as stated by Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Helen McEntee, ahead of an informal meeting of European trade ministers.

France's Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier noted that Irish whiskeys now have no duties, and they should be the same for French cognac. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized the need to wait for details on how the US plans to turn the announcement into law. It took around three months for the removal of US tariffs on Scotch whisky to move from announcement to implementation.

The Irish Whiskey Association remains in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, recognizing the importance of this tariff removal for Irish businesses. Association Director Eoin Ó Catháin warmly welcomed President Trump's announcement, expressing the association's warm welcome and the fact that the US is the biggest market for Irish whiskey. They look forward to tariff liberalisation benefiting businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.