Historic tariff-free Scotch whisky shipment bound for United States
The first shipment
of tariff-free Scotch whisky will depart the UK in the next 48 hours, after the
President confirmed tariffs would be removed from UK whisky during His Majesty
The King’s state visit to the US in April.
Whisky distilleries
from Aberdeenshire to County Antrim to the Brecon Beacons will immediately
benefit as the removal of US tariffs comes into force today (July 24) in a huge
boost to one of Britain’s biggest and most iconic exports.
The whisky
industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 jobs
across the UK according to the Scotch Whisky Association.
Farmers, packaging
manufacturers, and logistics operators across the nation now have immediate and
easy access to one of the UK’s most important overseas markets.
Despite a new round of
global tariffs announced by the US today, our landmark Economic Prosperity Deal
remains in place, which means an improvement to our trading terms
with zero tariffs on both whisky and medical technology.
Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds
said:
“This government is about creating good growth in every postcode
and backing business in every part of the UK to support jobs and boost living
standards.
“This
historic shipment demonstrates why trade deals with our largest economic
partners matter. We will create more breathing
space for business – whether that’s cutting unnecessary paperwork for
exporters, or cutting bills for pubs.
To toast the win, a high-value air
freight of premium Scotch whisky distilled in Aberdeenshire will depart in the
next 48 hours from Manchester to Philadelphia – the first such freight to the
US to enjoy no import taxes.
In another world-first, the shipment,
worth £60,000, has used exclusively digital trade processes rather than
paper-based documentation which cuts down shipping costs and loading times,
with the UK continuing to pave the way for digital trade globally.
Smaller businesses are expected to be
the biggest beneficiaries of the shift to digital trade.
For many small businesses, complex
paperwork can be a barrier to entering new markets, but digital systems level
the playing field, enabling smaller regional exporters to compete
internationally, reach new customers and grow more quickly.
Arranged by digital trade company
LogChain, the shipment of Skene Whisky brings together the best of British
heritage, innovation and exporting ambition.
UK whisky exports were worth £5.4
billion in 2025, while whisky exports to the US alone were worth £1 billion –
and this latest win will allow the sector across the UK to continue to
thrive.
Secretary of State for
Scotland Douglas Alexander said:
“The
UK Government is delivering for Scotland with a shipment from Aberdeenshire
being among the first to enter the US without tariffs.
“This
is a very welcome day for the Scotch whisky industry. As the largest value
market for whisky, the US is one of the most important for the sector. This
trade milestone between the US and UK shows the bonds the countries have and
the benefits from working closely in partnership.
“I’m
sure many in Scotland and the US will be raising a dram today to celebrate the
ending of tariffs on one of our most beloved and respected Scottish
products.”
The Atlantic Proof Scotch being
transported is a rare, limited-edition premium Scotch whisky, commemorating a
bold new chapter in the UK-US trading relationship.
Matured in American oak casks, the
spirit reflects the deep economic and cultural ties between the United Kingdom
and the United States.
As part of the celebration, a limited
number of commemorative bottles will be presented to representatives of the UK
and US governments in recognition of the role played in strengthening
transatlantic trade ties, including Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds and UK
Deputy Trade Commissioner for North America Alan Gogbashian.
The shipment also shines a spotlight
on Manchester and Liverpool’s growing role as major hubs for exports to North
America and leaders in digital trade innovation as the cities help connect
businesses across the UK with international markets while supporting jobs and
investment throughout the North West and beyond.
Andrew McKeown, CEO of
LogChain, said:
“Atlantic
Proof is policy and diplomacy in action. It turns a tariff win into a real
shipment, showing how exporters can move goods faster, cheaper, and with less
friction when trade policy and digital trade infrastructure work
together.
“For
LogChain, this is exactly why Liverpool is our global HQ: the city region has
the history, ambition, and capability to help lead the next era of global
trade.”
Andrew
Skene, owner of Skene Whisky, said:
“Atlantic
Proof is a celebration of Scotch whisky, but it is also a practical step
forward for exporters. For whisky producers, access to the US market matters,
and anything that reduces paperwork, delays, and friction helps us focus on
what we do best: making great whisky and getting it to customers around the
world.”
Cllr
Paula Basnet, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and
Regeneration, said:
“Liverpool
City Region helped build the world’s trading economy – now we’re helping to
reinvent it for the digital age. Atlantic Proof shows how innovation can remove
barriers to trade and open up new opportunities for businesses.
“We’re
proud that LogChain has chosen to locate its global headquarters here,
recognising the unique strengths of our city region’s maritime heritage,
world-class logistics expertise and growing reputation as a centre for digital
innovation.
“This
project demonstrates how places like Liverpool City Region can combine
tradition and technology to create new opportunities for businesses, jobs and
investment.”