Overview: President Donald Trump announced the removal of a 15% import tariff on Irish whiskey during the trophy ceremony at the Irish Open golf tournament on September 13, 2026. The decision follows previous adjustments to UK whiskey and Scotch tariffs implemented earlier in the year.
The Full Story
During the event held at Doonbeg Golf Links, the President stated he was asked about the issue while attending the tournament. He made his decision during the trophy presentation, noting that “Everybody’s been bugging me” to do it. On behalf of the United States of America, he confirmed the plan to take the tariffs off Irish whiskey. The surprise announcement drew praise and cheers from tournament spectators.
This action reverses a 15% import tax imposed by Trump as part of his wider tariffs on the European Union. Previously, tariffs on UK whiskey and Scotch were removed on July 24, 2026 following a visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilia to the White House. The Irish Whiskey Association had previously called for tariff removal to avoid economic impacts.
Brand & Industry History
Trump had previously teased lifting certain tariffs on UK whiskey in May, which includes Scotch and spirits made in Northern Ireland. That decision came after a visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilia at the White House, where the royals asked Trump to remove the import tax. At the time, the Irish Whiskey Association called for the tariffs to be removed, arguing it would help US companies with Irish products in their portfolios avoid economic hits.
What This Means
It remains unclear how soon the 15% tariff on Irish whiskey will be removed. The removal of tariffs for UK whiskey came on July 24, about two months after Trump’s initial announcement, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the decision by Trump, who is the first sitting US president to attend the Irish Open.
Consumer Takeaway
This news offers clarity on the trade status for spirits made in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The locations involved include Doonbeg Golf Links in Ireland and the White House in the United States. The removal of tariffs addresses concerns raised by industry stakeholders regarding economic impacts on US companies with Irish products in their portfolios.
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