Doonbeg, Co Clare: US President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement at the Irish Open prize-giving ceremony in Doonbeg, declaring that the United States would remove its tariff on Irish whiskey.
Speaking on the final day of the tournament at Trump International Golf Links, Trump said he had discussed the issue with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Irish Open champion Shane Lowry, who had both raised concerns about the tariff.
“I want to mention one thing. Taoiseach and I talked about it, and Shane talked about it, and everybody’s been bugging me,” Trump told the crowd.
“They’re saying, ‘Would you do me a favour? It’s so unfair what’s going on. Could you possibly take the tariffs off of Irish whiskey?’ And I said, on behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off Irish whiskey.”
The announcement was greeted with cheers and applause from spectators gathered at the 18th green.
It is understood that Taoiseach Micheál Martin raised the issue during his meeting with Trump at Farmleigh on Saturday. The matter was discussed again during the President’s visit to Doonbeg, including at a lunch on Sunday. Trump had previously indicated that he would examine the issue.
Government Welcomes Announcement
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris welcomed the announcement, describing it as economically significant and a reflection of constructive engagement between the Irish Government and the US administration over tariffs.
“Irish whiskey is a world-renowned product, supporting jobs and communities right across Ireland,” Harris said.
The announcement was also welcomed by the Irish Whiskey Association.
Association director Eoin Ó Catháin said the industry was “delighted” by the development, highlighting the importance of the US market to Irish whiskey producers.
“The US is our biggest market. It represents thousands of jobs, millions in investment, and it has been under pressure over the last year and a bit because of that tariff,” he said.
Ó Catháin said the association would continue working with partners in the United States, Brussels and Dublin to ensure the tariff was fully removed. He added that the industry would like to see a return to a zero-for-zero trading arrangement for all drinks exports.
Lowry Jokes About Getting a Cheque
Irish Open champion Shane Lowry also reacted humorously to the announcement, joking that Irish whiskey producers should reward him for his role in raising the issue with Trump.
Speaking at a press conference after his victory, Lowry said he had attended dinner with Trump the previous evening.
“He also announced he was removing tariffs on whiskey because of me … so distillers better start sending me a cheque,” Lowry joked.
Asked whether he had put pressure on Trump to remove the tariff, Lowry replied jokingly that he would “take credit for that”.
Irish Whiskey Had Faced 10% US Tariff
The announcement follows a period of uncertainty for Irish whiskey exporters. Whiskey produced in the Republic of Ireland and sold in the United States had been subject to a 10% tariff, while Scotch and whiskey produced in Northern Ireland faced no equivalent tariff, creating a competitive disadvantage for Irish producers.
The tariff had previously been as high as 15% before being reduced to 10% under a revision of US trade measures. Irish whiskey exports to the United States were worth approximately €450 million, making the American market particularly important to the industry.
The Irish Whiskey Association has said it wants the removal of the tariff to be fully implemented and ultimately hopes to see a return to zero tariffs across drinks exports.
Irish Samachar English News