Trump to remove US tariff on Irish whiskey

Trump Announces Tariff Removal at Irish Open

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed plans to eliminate a 10% tariff on Irish whiskey during a public address at the Irish Open golf tournament, where he emphasized the role of direct appeals from Ireland’s political and sports leaders. Speaking at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Ireland, Trump stated that he had received “multiple requests” to lift the duty, including from professional golfers and Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin. “On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off,” he declared, prompting applause from the audience.

The tariff, which applied to Irish whiskey imports, had been part of broader U.S. trade restrictions on European Union products. Trump’s announcement came days after he made remarks suggesting support for a united Ireland, a statement that drew attention during his visit. However, the tariff removal was framed as a more straightforward trade concession, tied to personal interactions with Lowry and Martin. The golfer, who had just won the Irish Open, reportedly influenced the decision through a private conversation with the president the evening before the tournament’s conclusion.

Context of Previous Tariff Actions

This move follows a similar 2026 action by Trump to remove a 10% tariff on U.K. whiskey after a royal visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. At the time, Trump credited the monarchs for persuading him to act, stating, “The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do.” The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) has since urged the U.S. to return to a “zero-for-zero” tariff arrangement for all spirit exports, a goal the group said would strengthen transatlantic trade relationships.

The current 10% tariff on Irish whiskey was reduced from an initial 15% in July 2026. Industry representatives highlighted the economic stakes, noting that Irish whiskey exports to the U.S. generated €450 million annually. The IWA also pointed to the mutual benefits of tariff-free trade, including €80 million in U.S. whiskey cask purchases by Irish distillers. “Nothing exemplifies the U.S.-Ireland trade relationship better than Irish whiskey,” said IWA Director Eoin O Caithain, who called the announcement a “welcome development” for the sector.

Industry Reactions and Trade Implications

The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) welcomed the announcement, framing it as a positive step for transatlantic trade. The group emphasized the sector’s role in creating jobs and fostering investment on both sides of the Atlantic. However, it also reiterated its push for a broader “zero-for-zero” agreement covering all spirit exports, a goal that remains unfulfilled. “We will continue to work with our EU and U.S. counterparts to secure a return to the zero-for-zero arrangement for all drinks exports,” the IWA stated in a press release.

Trump’s decision to exempt Irish whiskey from broader EU tariffs underscored the personalized nature of the move. While the president acknowledged requests from Ireland’s leadership and sports figures, he explicitly stated that the action would not extend to other EU products. This selective approach contrasts with his earlier, more sweeping tariff reductions for U.K. whiskey, which were tied to diplomatic visits rather than individual appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The next step for the tariff removal remains unclear, as no official timeline was provided. Industry representatives and Irish officials are expected to monitor the implementation process, while the IWA continues advocating for a broader zero-tariff agreement. Meanwhile, the personal nature of Trump’s decision—rooted in interactions with Lowry and Martin—highlights the influence of individual relationships in shaping U.S. trade policy.