The SNP has criticised Boris Johnson’s continued failure to protect
Scotland’s vital whisky industry, after the Trump administration
took steps to impose another round of punishing tariffs on the
sector. In October last year, the U.S administration imposed
tariffs of 25% on a broad variety of products, including Scotch
whisky. It’s now been reported that following a review the Trump
administration will continue to inflict tariffs in its long-running
dispute - with Scotch whisky once...Request free trial
The SNP has criticised Boris Johnson’s continued failure to
protect Scotland’s vital whisky industry, after the Trump
administration took steps to impose another round of punishing
tariffs on the sector.
In October last year, the U.S administration imposed tariffs
of 25% on a broad variety of products, including Scotch
whisky.
It’s now been reported that following a review the Trump
administration will continue to inflict tariffs in its long-running
dispute - with Scotch whisky once again included on the
list.
Earlier figures have shown that U.S. tariffs have cost
Scotland's whisky sector around £200m - with exports to the U.S.
down by 30% since the measures came into effect.
The Scotch Whisky Association previously warned that the
industry was still waiting for Johnson to come good on his word to
tackle the tariffs, stating “he () said that he would work to remove the tariffs. But
after months of asking we are really yet to see a clear plan from
the UK government about how they intend to resolve
this."
, the SNP MP for
Argyll and Bute and chair of Westminster's APPG on Scotch Whisky,
said:
“The reported decision by the Trump administration to
continue imposing tariffs will deliver a devastating body blow to
Scotland’s vital whisky sector.
“The industry is looking to to come good on his pledge to protect the sector from
these punishing tariffs - it’s beyond shameful that we are still
waiting for action to follow his rhetoric.
“Scotch whisky plays a crucial role in the success of our
global food and drinks sector and our economy. However, since the
tariffs were imposed, the economic cost of exports to the U.S.
continues to hit home to the tune of around £200m.
“For all his rhetoric and fleeting visits to impacted areas
in Scotland, the reality is that the Tory leader has abandoned the
Scotch whisky sector in its time of need.
"If the Tory government is serious about protecting our vital
industries then it will take every step it can to oppose and end
these punitive U.S-imposed tariffs."
