Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann has warned that new punitive 25% tariffs in place from today, could undermine the multi-million pound market of local whiskey in the USA.

Robin Swann said:

“Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose punitive 25% tariffs on a range of EU products – including single malt whiskey from Northern Ireland – was both unreasonable and rash. The tariffs are in place from today, 18 October. 

“The President only imposed the tariffs in retaliation to EU support for Airbus, dating back decades, which was later found to have broken international rules. Imposing these charges however will only hit the pockets of smaller EU companies, as well as US consumers who will inevitably face increased prices.

“Irish whiskey had experienced exponential growth across America in recent years. It’s also a market that Bushmills – the world’s oldest whiskey distillery and one that I’m proud to have based in my own constituency of North Antrim - have identified for further expansion, and thankfully their blended products won't be affected. 

“Through a recent Freedom of Information request, I discovered that the value of whiskey exported from Northern Ireland to the United States in just the last three years was over £33m.

“If the local whisky industry was able to survive prohibition, I’m confident that it will survive these punitive tariffs. The reality is though, the longer they are in place, the more difficult it will be for local brands to make the most of the growing demand for Irish whiskey in the US market. This is especially the case as the 25% tariffs appear not apply to whiskey from the Republic of Ireland. 

“Whilst the Trump administration has put 10% tariffs on large civil aircraft and these 25% tariffs on a wide range of other EU products, I'm also concerned that it still has the ability to increase them even further. I therefore urge UK Ministers to work with their US counterparts in order to encourage the Americans to abandon these tariff attacks.

“As the UK is set to soon look outwards for trade deals after Brexit, these latest tariffs greatly undermine the whole concept of open international trade.”