Trump’s tariffs will hurt whisky industry, say region’s politicians
Moray politicians across the political divide have stated their disappointment at the tariffs announced by Donald Trump.
The SNP’s Richard Lochhead and Graham Leadbitter as well as the Conservatives’ Douglas Ross have all voiced their concerns, as has the Scotch Whisky Association.
Mr Lochhead, who’s Moray’s MSP, said: “The blanket 10% tariff imposed on goods from Scotland and the rest of the UK exported to the US is disappointing news.
“These tariffs will no doubt be damaging for Moray, given the huge amount of exporting firms locally, with the US in particular being a big market for many local companies, including of course the whisky industry.
“It is vital that negotiations between the UK and US governments continue. A trade war is in no one’s interest and will only hurt business and consumers at a time when things are already very challenging.”
Douglas Ross predicted President Trump’s tariffs would be “deeply damaging” for the whisky industry, given that £1 in every £5 exported goes to the US.
The Conservative politician also highlighted the “hugely negative impact” of the 25% tariffs on single malt which Trump introduced during his first presidency in 2019.
Mr Ross, a list MSP whose ward includes Moray, said: “These tariffs will harm not just whisky but also other local industries such as our shortbread makers and those in textiles.
“The UK Labour government must pull out all the stops to secure a trade deal with the United States as soon as possible to try and mitigate their impact.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Scotch Whisky Association said: "The industry is disappointed that Scotch Whisky could be impacted by these tariffs.
“We welcome the intensive efforts by the UK government to reach a deal with the US administration, and we continue to support this measured and pragmatic approach towards a mutually beneficial resolution.”
Graham Leadbitter, the SNP MP for the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency, said: ““These tariffs are yet another blow for an industry that is still picking up the pieces from the Chancellor’s latest tax hikes.
“We’ve warned of the possibility of tariffs for months but have been ignored by the UK government at every turn as they’ve cast aside a key Scottish industry for precisely no good economic reason.
“Before the election Keir Starmer promised to back the sector ‘to the hilt’, but now he’s in power he’s forming part of a two pronged attack against it with Donald Trump.
“Now, more than ever, the Scotch Whisky industry needs the support it was promised from the UK government if it’s going to continue to survive and thrive.”
