Minister: Cool heads rather than hot takes required on whisky tariff prospects

The UK’s trade policy minister has emphasised the need for “cool heads rather than a hot take” around the prospect of new US tariffs on Scotch whisky imports.

Douglas Alexander also said he recognises the “distinctiveness” of Scotch whisky – after an application was made for protected geographic status for English single malt.

President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs on goods coming into America has led to concerns Scotch could once again be subject to trade barriers.

A 25% tariff imposed in October 2019 led to the industry losing hundreds of millions of pounds, before the levy was suspended for five years in 2021.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington this week has raised hopes any barriers can be avoided.

Mr Trump said he thinks there is a good chance the US and UK can agree a “real trade deal” which would make tariffs unnecessary.

Mr Alexander, who is also MP for Lothian East, told The Scotsman the UK Government is taking a pragmatic approach.

He said: “I think the honest approach and the sensible approach at this stage is to have cool heads rather than a hot take.

“I know that the Scotch Whisky Association is in dialogue with the bourbon industry in the United States. They’ve been an effective advocate for the spirits industry historically.”

He said the application for protected status around English single malts had been made to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, rather than being initiated by the UK Government department itself.

Mr Alexander said: “I’m very clear as to the distinctiveness, the specialness and the importance of Scotch whisky.”