Scotch Whisky Included In Threatened US Tariffs

Trade tensions between the US and the EU appear to be intensifying, with Scotch whisky among the products that may be included in a new list of US tariffs.

Since the election of President Trump and the Boeing-Bombardier dispute in September 2017, tariffs have been a significant issue in international trade discussions. Now, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has threatened tariffs of up to $4 billion on EU imports, although it is not yet clear when these will be imposed.

Scotch whisky is among a number of food and drink products from across the EU that will potentially be affected. The US is the world's largest export market for Scotch whisky by value – £1.04 billion in 2018. By volume, it is the second largest, with 137 million 70cl bottles exported last year.