Trump Announces Removal of 10% Tariff on Irish Whiskey

President Donald Trump told spectators at the Irish Open trophy ceremony that he will lift the 10% tariff on Irish whiskey after receiving repeated inquiries from officials and players. He said the decision was made "on behalf of the United States of America" and noted that the tariff had previously been reduced from 15% to 10% for most EU imports.

The announcement follows an earlier April decision to remove tariffs on U.K. whiskey, including Scotch and Northern Irish spirits, which created a disparity with Irish producers. No timeline was provided for when the Irish whiskey tariff would be eliminated.

Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, called the move "another positive step toward reducing barriers to spirits trade" and said it would benefit retailers, restaurants, consumers and the U.S. economy during the holiday season.

The Irish Whiskey Association had urged the United States to drop the tariff in May, arguing that it would support U.S. companies that carry Irish brands and reduce uncertainty for consumers.