Trump says he’ll remove tariffs on Irish whiskey

Trump Pledges to End Tariffs on Irish Whiskey During Doonbeg Visit

Earthguardiansonline.com – President Donald Trump said he plans to remove US tariffs on Irish whiskey, making the announcement while presenting the Irish Open trophy to Shane Lowry at Trump’s Doonbeg golf resort on Ireland’s west coast.

The pledge came near the close of Trump’s brief weekend trip, which included meetings in Dublin with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Trump became the first sitting US president to attend the Irish Open, using the tournament’s trophy ceremony to highlight trade ties between the two countries.

“I want to mention one thing. Taoiseach and I talked about it, and Shane talked about it, and everybody’s been bugging me. They’re saying, ‘Would you do me a favor? It’s so unfair what’s going on. Could you possibly take the tariffs off of Irish whiskey?’”

Trump then told the audience that the tariffs would be lifted on behalf of the United States, drawing a loud response from the crowd. He does not drink alcohol himself, but framed the decision as a goodwill gesture toward Ireland and its whiskey industry.

A 10% tariff on Irish whiskey

Irish whiskey is currently subject to a 10% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on most imports from the European Union. The president did not provide a timetable for when the change would take effect, and further details from the US trade representative have not yet been disclosed.

The move follows a similar decision made after King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the United States in April. On that occasion, Trump removed tariffs affecting whiskey from the United Kingdom, including Scotch.

For Irish distillers, retailers and hospitality businesses, tariff relief could matter well beyond a symbolic moment at a golf event. Tariffs can raise the cost of products entering the US market, potentially affecting importers, distributors, restaurants, bars and consumers. Removing the charge could make it easier for Irish whiskey businesses to compete for American sales.

Simon Harris, Ireland’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, described the announcement as economically important and welcomed what he called the positive engagement between Ireland and the US administration on tariff issues over the previous 18 months.

“A welcome announcement of economic significance” that “reflects the very positive engagement we’ve had with the US administration on tariffs over the 18 months.”

Chris Swonger, president and chief executive of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, also welcomed the planned change. He said it represented another encouraging development in efforts to lower obstacles in international spirits trade.

Irish whiskey businesses look to the US market

The announcement was especially notable for businesses whose customers include American buyers. Michael Delahunty, manager of Dublin’s Temple Bar, said the decision could have a meaningful commercial effect for sellers exporting whiskey to the United States.

“We export a lot to America. It’s good for us, good for business, great for Irish whiskey as a whole.”

Temple Bar sells Irish whiskey online, and Delahunty said the removal of the tariff could make a substantial difference. He pointed to the longstanding consumer connection between Ireland and the United States, including American enthusiasm for Irish whiskey and Irish appreciation for bourbon.

“We have a rare relationship with the American customers. They love Irish whiskey and vice versa, we love bourbons.”

The focus on whiskey shifted attention from the political debate that followed Trump’s meetings in Dublin a day earlier. On Saturday, Trump made comments supporting Irish unification, an issue with deep historical and political sensitivities. He also discussed trade with Martin during their bilateral meeting and stressed the importance of the US relationship with Ireland.

“Big relationship with Ireland,” Trump said, adding that it would “continue stronger than ever.”

Golf, diplomacy and a broader relationship

The Irish Open provided a highly visible setting for the president’s visit. Lowry, one of Ireland’s best-known golfers, received the tournament trophy from Trump at Doonbeg, the resort owned by the Trump family. Martin used his own remarks to emphasize both the venue’s investment and the long relationship between the two nations.

He said the Trump family had invested heavily in the property over the past decade, helping establish it as an exceptional golf course. Martin also described the previous four days as a reflection of the enduring connection between Ireland and the United States.

“We are tied together by history, by family, by friendship.”

Trump spent the weekend largely at his golf club rather than in public areas where demonstrations took place. Protests were held on Saturday in Dublin as well as around Doonbeg and Shannon. At the resort, however, the president was welcomed by supporters, including people chanting “U-S-A” in the members bar on Saturday evening and spectators cheering during Sunday’s presentation.

“We’re so proud of the whole Doonbeg, and, frankly, Ireland itself has been so incredible, so inviting,” Trump said.

The promised tariff removal now leaves an important practical question: when US import rules will formally change. Until an official implementation date and guidance are announced, Irish whiskey producers and American buyers will be watching for confirmation of how quickly the commitment becomes policy.