President Donald Trump announced the immediate removal of a tariff on Scottish whisky following the visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States, marking a notable development in transatlantic trade relations. The announcement came on the final day of the royal couple’s four-day visit, which included stops in Washington, New York City, and several commemorative events.

The tariff, introduced in 2019 during trade tensions, had imposed a 10% to 15% tax on Scottish whisky imports to the U.S., impacting both the whisky industry and related sectors such as the supply of oak barrels. The barrels, which are used in bourbon production and subsequently shipped to Scotland, enhance the quality and flavor of both spirits, but the tariff had disrupted this reciprocal trade. Trump stated that the barrel trade between Kentucky and Scotland suffered due to the tariff, as the barrels can only be used once before needing replacement.

In a series of statements and social media posts, Trump credited King Charles III and Queen Camilla for encouraging the policy change, calling it a “wonderful honor to the U.S.A.” While Trump, a lifelong teetotaler, noted he is “not a big drinker,” he described the tariff removal as a significant achievement. Industry leaders also praised the move; Chris Swonger, president of the Distilled Spirits Council, described it as a major victory for American hospitality businesses and said it would strengthen transatlantic ties.

The policy shift was welcomed by officials in both London and Edinburgh, where the tariff had been a point of contention and concern for exporters. Some political analysts interpreted the decision as an effort by Trump to bolster personal relations with the British monarchy ahead of the 2027 G7 summit in Cornwall, while others viewed it primarily as an economic gesture aimed at reviving a key trade sector.

During their visit, the royal couple took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring fallen soldiers and symbolizing the long-standing military ties between the United States and the United Kingdom. They also attended a parade in Front Royal, Virginia, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, and visited Shenandoah National Park and Smitten Farm horse ranch to promote environmental conservation and animal welfare, reflecting historical and cultural connections between the two nations.

Trump described King Charles as “the greatest king in my book” during a formal farewell outside the White House, underscoring the cordial tone of the visit despite ongoing tabloid scrutiny and political exchanges in the run-up to the trip. The tariff removal represents a rare diplomatic success for the Trump administration in its dealings with the UK monarchy.