Whisky tariffs deal sparks political squabble over who claims credit

"The Scotch Whisky Association estimates that the US tariffs were costing the industry about £4 million a week. This underlines that this is not a free gift from the US to the UK."

"The first is that it demonstrates that there is still something at least a little bit special about the trans-Atlantic relationship, even if that has come under strain during the Iran war."

"Despite all that, it has still been possible for this trade agreement to be reached, creating a political squabble over who in the UK can claim credit."

The removal of tariffs on whisky imports to the US is significant for Scotland, both economically and politically. President Trump announced this change in honor of King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit. The Scotch Whisky Association noted that US tariffs were costing the industry approximately £4 million weekly. This deal, which appears to be a zero for zero tariff arrangement, enhances trade for Scotch and Irish whiskey in the US and US bourbon in the UK. The announcement has sparked political competition over credit for the deal amid the Scottish election.

Read at www.bbc.com