Scotch whisky fears bad hangover from US tariffs

[LONDON] The Scotch whisky industry said Thursday it would be hit hard by a proposed 25-per cent tariff on imports to the United States.

Washington has been given the go-ahead by the World Trade Organisation to retaliate with trade tariffs on the European Union over state subsidies for aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

Single malt Scotch and liqueurs from Britain are being lined up for a 25-per cent tariff on imports from October 18.

"This is a blow to the Scotch whisky industry," the Scotch Whisky Association trade organisation's chief executive Karen Betts said in a statement.

"Despite the fact that this dispute is about aircraft subsidies, our sector has been hit hard, with single malt scotch whisky representing over half of the total value of UK products on the US government tariff list," amounting to more than US$460 million.

"The tariff will undoubtedly damage the Scotch whisky sector. The US is our largest and most valuable single market, and over US$1.25 billion of Scotch whisky was exported there last year."

Other goods set to be hit by the total US$7.5-billion of import tariffs include cheeses and French wine.

Among other British items, "Made in England" suits, cashmere sweaters and pyjamas face being hit.

AFP