President Donald Trump announced the removal of US tariffs on Irish whiskey during his visit to the Doonbeg golf resort in Ireland. This decision follows months of lobbying by Irish officials and the local distilling industry.
The US previously imposed a 10% tariff on whiskey imported from the Republic of Ireland, with some estimates suggesting an effective rate of 15%. Last year, Irish whiskey exports to the US reached approximately €450 million, making America the primary market for these distillers.
The industry has invested an estimated €80 million into US whiskey casks. While Scotch and Northern Irish whiskey received tariff relief earlier in 2026 following UK concessions, the Republic of Ireland had to negotiate its own terms.
The announcement occurred during a two-day presidential visit involving meetings with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Official details regarding the timeline and scope of the removal remain unconfirmed by US trade authorities.
