Negotiations between the UK Government and the new US administration mean the tariffs on Scotch Whisky and cashmere products will be suspended for four months from Monday March 8, backdated to today, Thursday 4 March.
The period of suspension will be used to hopefully reach a permanent end to the products being hit by tariffs of 25 per cent.
The Scottish Conservatives have consistently lobbied the UK Government to push for an end for the tariffs which Edward Mountain MSP says have been ‘hugely damaging’ for iconic brands and products across the Highlands and Islands.
The Scotch Whisky industry supports up to 50,000 jobs in Scotland.
Edward Mountain MSP commented:
“Our Whisky distilleries in the Highlands will be raising a glass in celebration at the four-month suspension of these damaging tariffs.
“This will also be welcome news for farmers and will put a spring in their step as they start sowing their barley crops for the distilleries.
“Our Scotch Whisky distillers have suffered huge losses as a result of the trade war between the US and EU. Indeed, one of the benefits of being outside of the EU is that the UK can now negotiate trade itself and resolve the issue of punitive tariffs which impacted whisky and cashmere producers.
“I welcome this progress and it highlights how the UK Government continue to stand up for Highland businesses and support thousands of jobs too.”
