North-East MSPs Call on Tory Government to Protect Whisky Sector Against US Tariffs

North-East MSPs have warned of further damage which could be done to the whisky industry after the Trump administration took steps to impose another round of punishing tariffs on the sector.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson and Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin both have distilleries in their respective constituencies.

Now, they are warning that Boris Johnson’s failure to protect the vital whisky industry could have a further detrimental financial impact.

In October last year, the US administration imposed tariffs of 25% on a broad variety of products, including Scotch whisky.

It has now been reported that following a review the Trump administration will continue to inflict tariffs in its long-running dispute – with Scotch whisky once again included on the list.

Earlier figures have shown that US tariffs have cost Scotland's whisky sector around £200m - with exports to the U.S. down by 30% since the measures came into effect.

The Scotch Whisky Association previously warned that the industry was still waiting for Johnson to come good on his word to tackle the tariffs, stating “he (Boris Johnson) said that he would work to remove the tariffs. But after months of asking we are really yet to see a clear plan from the UK government about how they intend to resolve this."

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“If these reports from the US are accurate, it could be a devastating blow for the whisky sector.

“In my Banffshire and Buchan Coast constituency, the whisky industry is a vital sector and provides jobs, tourism and a boost to our local economy.

“Boris Johnson needs to do much more than simply pay lip service to the sector. Scotch Whisky plays a crucial role in the success of our global food and drinks sector.”

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said:

“Once again this Tory Government has abandoned the whisky industry and the North-East of Scotland.

“Boris Johnson cannot be trusted to commit to his pledge to protect the sector from financial harm and these punishing tariffs.

“The Tory Government must act now if it’s serious about taking every step it can to oppose and end these punitive US-imposed tariffs.”