- Irish whiskey sold into the US carries a 10pc tariff.
- Scotch and whiskey from the six counties carry no tariff.
- Trump revealed the move at Doonbeg in September 2026.
- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade noted technical engagement is ongoing.
- Helen McEntee noted Ireland’s position is zero tariffs for all EU spirits.
Negotiations on removing US tariffs on Irish whiskey have continued after President Donald Trump revealed the move at Doonbeg golf course in September 2026. Irish whiskey sold into the US carries a 10pc tariff. Scotch and whiskey made in the six counties carry no tariff.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade noted intensive engagement with the US Trade Representative on technical implementation is ongoing. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee noted Ireland’s position is zero tariffs for all EU spirits. France’s Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier sought the same for French cognac.
The European Commission noted details of how the US proposes to turn the move into law are awaited. The Irish Whiskey Association remains in contact with the Department and the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC. The association noted a similar move on Scotch took about three months to implement.
Eoin Ó Catháin shared “The US is the biggest market for Irish whiskey, and we are looking forward to this tariff liberalisation being realised.”
