Whiskey tariff removal for 'just Ireland', not EU

US President Donald Trump has said yesterday evening's move to lift tariffs on Irish whiskey applies to Ireland only and not the EU. Whiskey made in the Republic of Ireland that is sold into the US was subject to a 10% tariff, putting it at a disadvantage with Scotch and Northern Irish whiskey which currently has no tariff. Mr Trump announced the move at the end of the Irish Open in Doonbeg yesterday. His announcement has been welcomed by the Government and by the representatives of the Irish whiskey industry. On the tarmac at Shannon Airport before leaving for the United States on Air Force One yesterday evening, Mr Trump was asked whether it would apply only to Ireland or across the EU. He said: "Just Ireland." .@POTUS: "It was very unfair because others had the relief and they didn't, so I thought I'd do it. Actually, Shane [Lowry] asked me about it, too. A lot of people asked me." https://t.co/vmp3JCtYs6 — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 13, 2026 "It was very unfair because others had the relief and they didn't, so I thought I'd do it. Actually, Shane [Lowry] asked me about it, too. A lot of people asked me." It is understood the Taoiseach raised the issue of tariffs on Irish whiskey with Mr Trump during their meeting at Farmleigh yesterday and the US President promised to look at it. Mr Trump announced the move during his speech at the prizegiving ceremony for yesterday's Irish Open at his golf resort in Doonbeg, where Ireland's Shane Lowry won by 11 shots. He said: "I want to mention one thing. Taoiseach and I talked about it and Shane talked about it and everyone has been bugging me 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?' Trump tells Irish Open crowd he is removing Irish whiskey tariffs "And I said on behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off Irish whiskey." The crowd erupted into cheers and a round of applause. Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris also welcomed the announcement. "A welcome announcement of economic significance from President Trump this evening that reflects the very positive engagement we've had with the US administration on tariffs over the 18 months. "Irish whiskey is a world-renowned product, supporting jobs and communities right across Ireland." Director of the Irish Whiskey Association Eoin Ó Catháin welcomed the move, saying it was a vote of confidence in the industry and will be a "gamechanger" for it. Read more: Analysis: Trump tariff move a late winning goal for Govt at Doonbeg In Pictures: Donald Trump's visit to Ireland Watch: What did US President Donald Trump say about a united Ireland? Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr O'Catháin said the US is the biggest and most important market for Irish whiskey, and this move will bring the Irish sector back to full equity with scotch whiskey which is its biggest competitor in the US market. Mr O'Catháin said preliminary figures from last year show that sales were down around 9%. "This isn't solely attributable to tariffs," he added, "but they have definitely played a role". "In addition, the first half of this year our export figures were down just over 20%, he said. "I hope the zero tariff will be extended to all Irish drink exports," he added. Irish Whiskey Association 'delighted' with tariff announcement Speaking yesterday evening Mr Ó Catháin said: "The US is our biggest market, it represents thousands of jobs, millions in investments and it has been under pressure, I suppose, over the last year and a bit because of that tariff. "We're delighted to see it removed. "We'll continue to work with all of our colleagues in the US, in Brussels, here in Dublin to ensure this full tariff liberalisation will take place." He added the association would "like to see a return to the zero-for-zero trading arrangement for all of our drinks exports."