Scottish malt, grain or blended whisky made under strict rules
Trump has announced the removal of a 10% tariff on Irish whiskey following requests from Shane Lowry, Ireland’s prime minister, and other Irish officials. The move comes as part of a broader revision of tariffs on European spirits. Details on timing are still being clarified.
A debate over England's new geographic indication status for whisky has sparked cross-border disputes among industry groups. English distillers argue the new rules allow site flexibility, while Scottish producers warn the change could damage the single-malt reputation. The government has defended the policy as a national development.
The Macallan 1926 Fine & Rare bottle has sold at Sotheby’s for £2.125m ($2.808m) at The Macallan Estate auction in Speyside, making it the second-highest price for whisky ever sold in pounds and the highest in US dollars. The sale, part of a 42-lot event, was the first auction held at The Macallan Estate and supports charitable causes. Sotheby’s notes the bottle’s rarity and provenance as a benchmark in whisky collecting.
The UK has signalled it may align with EU tariff moves on Chinese electric vehicles as part of the Made in Europe package, while Beijing warns such steps would be discriminatory. Downing Street seeks inclusion in the bloc’s framework, aiming to safeguard its automotive sector as EU rules expand amid China’s market surge.
The government has announced an inflation-linked rise in spirits duty, pushing the average bottle’s tax share to 74%. Industry groups warn the measure will stall investment and hurt jobs, while SNP MPs promise to fight the plan in Parliament.