Trump removes US tariffs on Irish whiskey during Ireland visit
In brief
- Trump announced tariff removal on Irish whiskey at Doonbeg resort during Amgen Irish Open on September 13
- US had imposed 10-15% tariffs on Irish whiskey imports prior to announcement
- Irish whiskey exports to US valued at €450 million annually, the industry's largest market
- Move follows earlier tariff relief granted to Scotch and Northern Irish whiskey in early 2026
- Formal details of removal, including timeline and scope, remain unconfirmed by US trade officials
The Tariff Removal
Trump told a crowd at his Doonbeg golf resort that the US would be removing tariffs on Irish whiskey. The US had been imposing a 10% tariff on whiskey imported from the Republic of Ireland, with some reports pegging the effective rate closer to 15%. The formal details of the tariff removal, including the exact timeline and whether it applies to all Irish spirits or specifically whiskey, have not been confirmed by US trade officials.
The move aligns with earlier concessions. Scotch whisky and whiskey from Northern Ireland had already received tariff relief earlier in 2026, following the UK's negotiations with the Trump administration around April or May. The tariff removal, if and when it's formally enacted, would be significant for Ireland's export economy.
Market Impact and Industry Advocacy
Irish whiskey exports to the US were valued at roughly €450 million last year, making America the single most important market globally. Irish distillers have poured an estimated €80 million into US whiskey casks as part of their operations, representing substantial capital investment tied to US trade conditions.
The tariff relief came after sustained pressure. Taoiseach Micheál Martin had been publicly pressing the case for tariff relief, while the Irish Whiskey Association had been lobbying US officials directly. Even golfer Shane Lowry reportedly made appeals on behalf of the industry. The announcement at Trump's Doonbeg resort, which he purchased over a decade ago, underscored the personal dimension of the tariff negotiations.
