Trump 15% Tariffs Trigger Fresh Turmoil for Spirits Trade

In April 2025, President Donald Trump introduced an economic plan that imposed a minimum 10% tariff on nearly all countries. However, on February 20, the US Supreme Court ruled that he could not legally rely on emergency powers to enforce those duties.

Days later, Trump responded by announcing new Trump 15% tariffs on Truth Social. On February 21, he called the Court’s ruling “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American.”

He wrote:

“During the next short number of months, the Trump administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible tariffs, which will continue our extraordinarily successful process of making America great again – greater than ever before.”

To implement the measure, Trump invoked Section 122, a law that allows a president to apply tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days. No administration has used this provision before.

UK Distillers Warn Trump 15% Tariffs Threaten Jobs

The decision immediately drew criticism from spirits producers, particularly in the UK. Welsh whisky maker Penderyn warned that higher duties could undermine investment and stall the revival of Britain’s craft distilling sector. Since May, UK spirits entering the US have already faced a 10% tariff.

Penderyn chief executive Stephen Davies said:

“This is bad news for Welsh whisky and the entire premium malt sector, which is still recalibrating after a turbulent year.”

He added:

“It’s equally bad news for the US liquor business, which will see higher prices and fewer choices.”

Meanwhile, the Scotch Whisky Association recently reported a 15% drop in bottles shipped to the US following the earlier 10% tariff, highlighting the immediate trade impact.

US Trade Bodies Push for Tariff-Free Spirits

Before Trump announced the 15% rate, several US trade groups welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling and called for stability in global trade.

Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus), said:

“As the administration navigates the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, we urge them to take this opportunity to secure a permanent return to zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits products with our major trading partners, such as the EU and UK.”

He continued:

“The elimination of tariffs on distilled spirits would provide much-needed certainty for American spirits exporters while helping ease financial pressures on bars, restaurants and retailers at a time when affordability remains a major concern for consumers.”

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) also supported the Court’s decision. Francis Creighton, its president and CEO, said:

“For wine and spirits wholesalers – and the restaurants, bars, retailers, and consumers we serve – certainty and predictability in trade policy are essential.”

Creighton added that the ruling restored “clarity” and would “help to stabilise an industry that depends on open markets and longstanding international partnerships.”

Michael Bilello, president and CEO of the American Whiskey Association, echoed that view. He said the ruling “creates an important opportunity to reset and get trade policy right.”

He continued:

“American whiskey depends on fair treatment, open markets, and a stable global trading environment to compete and to support American jobs – from distilleries and farms to hospitality and export partners around the world.

“We urge the administration to move swiftly to eliminate retaliatory tariffs on distilled spirits and to pursue durable trade agreements that provide long-term certainty. American whiskey, and the broader spirits and hospitality sectors, thrive when trade policy is predictable, reciprocal, and growth-oriented.”

What Comes Next for Global Spirits Trade?

The Trump 15% tariffs introduce fresh uncertainty for an industry that relies heavily on cross-border supply chains and export growth. While Section 122 limits the measure to 150 days, producers and trade groups worry about long-term volatility.

For now, distillers on both sides of the Atlantic face rising costs, squeezed margins, and shifting demand. Industry leaders continue to push for zero-for-zero tariff agreements, arguing that predictable and reciprocal trade policy remains essential for sustainable growth.