'Everybody’s been bugging me' — Trump says he'll remove his 10% tariff on Irish whiskey during trophy ceremony at a golf tournament in Ireland
During the Irish Open trophy ceremony, President Donald Trump declared the removal of the 10% tariff on Irish whiskey, a move welcomed by the Irish whiskey industry and U.S. importers. The announcement came after a series of tariff adjustments on EU spirits and was met with cheers from spectators.
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, President Donald Trump stood on the trophy podium at the Irish Open, a golf tournament held at the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Ireland, and announced a significant change to U.S. trade policy. He declared that the United States would eliminate the 10% tariff that had been levied on Irish whiskey imports, a decision that was met with loud whistling and cheers from the crowd of spectators.
Background of the Tariff
In July 2025, the Trump administration reduced the standard tariff on most European Union imports from 15% to 10%. That reduction applied to Irish whiskey, which had been subject to the higher 15% rate since the administration’s first tariff announcement in 2021. The Irish whiskey industry, represented by the Irish Whiskey Association, had long campaigned for a complete removal of the tariff, arguing that it would benefit U.S. companies that sell Irish products and reduce uncertainty for consumers.
Earlier in the year, in May 2026, President Trump lifted certain tariffs on UK whiskey, including Scotch and spirits made in Northern Ireland. That move was followed by a separate announcement in April 2026, in which Trump granted the United Kingdom a tariff break on whiskey after a visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House. The Irish whiskey sector had been awaiting a similar concession.
The Announcement at the Irish Open
During the trophy ceremony, Trump said, “Everybody’s been bugging me” to remove the tariff, a statement that echoed the persistent lobbying from Irish whiskey producers and U.S. importers. He added, “On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off Irish whiskey.” The president’s remarks were made in front of a packed audience of golfers, officials, and media representatives, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive.
The announcement came at a time when the U.S. trade policy was under scrutiny, with several industries calling for clearer and more predictable tariff structures. The Irish whiskey industry, which has seen growing demand in the United States, welcomed the decision as a step toward greater market access.
Industry Reactions
The Irish Whiskey Association issued a statement praising the president’s decision, noting that it would “help many U.S. companies with Irish products in their portfolios and avoid uncertainty for consumers.” The association had previously called for the removal of the tariff in a May 2026 press release, arguing that the 10% rate was still a barrier to growth.
Scotch whisky producers, represented by the Scotch Whisky Association, had already seen a zero‑tariff policy take effect on July 24, 2025. While the Irish whiskey sector had not yet enjoyed the same level of tariff relief, the new announcement was seen as a parallel move that could set a precedent for further trade adjustments.
Uncertainties and Next Steps
Although President Trump announced the removal of the tariff, details on the exact timeline for its implementation were not immediately provided. Trade officials have indicated that the change will be reflected in the next tariff schedule update, but the precise date remains unclear.
Industry stakeholders are awaiting confirmation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding the procedural steps required to apply the tariff reduction to existing and future shipments. Meanwhile, importers are preparing to adjust their pricing and supply chain strategies in anticipation of the lower duty rate.
Why This Matters
The removal of the Irish whiskey tariff is a significant development for both the U.S. and Irish economies. It signals a continued willingness by the Trump administration to negotiate trade concessions that benefit American consumers and businesses. For Irish whiskey producers, the decision opens new opportunities for expansion into the U.S. market, potentially increasing export volumes and supporting jobs in Ireland’s whiskey industry.
What Comes Next?
As the tariff removal is expected to be finalized in the upcoming trade schedule, stakeholders will monitor the implementation closely. U.S. importers will need to update their customs filings, and Irish producers will likely ramp up marketing efforts to capitalize on the lower duty rate. The move also sets a precedent that could influence future trade negotiations involving other EU spirits and alcoholic beverages.
In the broader context, the announcement reflects the Trump administration’s approach to trade policy—balancing protectionist measures with targeted concessions to foster bilateral trade relationships. Whether this strategy will extend to other sectors remains to be seen, but the Irish whiskey tariff removal is a clear example of the administration’s willingness to respond to industry demands.
Why it matters
The tariff removal reduces costs for U.S. importers and consumers while boosting Irish whiskey exports, strengthening trade ties between the United States and Ireland.
Key points
- Trump announced the removal of the 10% tariff on Irish whiskey at the Irish Open trophy ceremony.
- The decision follows a 15% to 10% tariff reduction on EU imports in July 2025.
- Irish whiskey producers had campaigned for this change, citing benefits for U.S. companies and consumers.
- Implementation details are pending, with the next tariff schedule expected to formalize the change.
- The move aligns with earlier concessions on UK whiskey and may influence future trade negotiations.
Frequently asked questions
What tariff rate was applied to Irish whiskey before the announcement?
The tariff was 10% following a reduction from 15% in July 2025.
When will the tariff removal take effect?
Implementation details are pending; the change is expected to appear in the next tariff schedule.
How did the Irish whiskey industry react?
They welcomed the decision, citing benefits for U.S. companies and reduced uncertainty for consumers.
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