Export Whiskey: Johnson calls for end of US punitive tariffs on Scotch

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on US President Donald Trump in a telephone call to withdraw 25% duty on goods such as Scotch Whiskey. A statement from the Prime Minister's office states that Johnson also asked Trump not to impose tariffs on car exports.

"The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the special relationship with a robust bilateral free trade agreement once the UK leaves the EU," the White House said.

The US has ordered a 25 percent increase in tariffs on Scottish whiskey and other European products in retaliation for subsidies to the European Union for Airbus aircraft. London had then asked in early October in a similar manner to a deletion of the whiskey duty - but to no avail.

The US is by far the most important destination for British whiskey exports. In 2018, British distilleries delivered whiskey worth more than a billion pounds (nearly 1.2 billion euros) to the United States.

Regardless, Trump had threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on EU vehicles and parts. The government in Washington will decide it until November 14th. The announced tariffs have been adjourned once for six months and trade experts expect another postponement.