The Scottish government welcomed the US lifting tariffs on Scotch whisky exports, a move reciprocated for US bourbon and casks entering the UK. This follows an agreement after a state visit, benefiting an industry that lost £150m due to previous levies.
Brazilian security forces have raided Vila Cururu in the Sararé Indigenous territory, dismantling illegal gold mining operations as part of President Lula's pledge to eradicate such activities. The crackdown revealed extensive environmental devastation and the ongoing challenges of removing miners, some potentially linked to organized crime.
British exports to the US dropped by £800 million (14%) in April 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by declines in car and pharmaceutical exports despite a UK-US trade agreement capping tariffs at 10%. President Trump removed tariffs on Scottish whisky, offering relief to an industry accounting for $1.2 billion in annual US sales. The US remains the UK's largest goods export partner.
King Charles III completed a four-day state visit to Washington, New York and Virginia, delivering what analysts call a diplomatic masterclass. President Trump lifted tariffs on Scotch whisky as a favour to the monarch. While the visit aimed to heal rifts over UK's refusal to join US military attacks on Iran, experts remain divided on long-term impact on the transatlantic relationship.
Trump announced lifting the 10% US tariff on Scotch whisky, imposed last year, estimating £150m in lost sales and hundreds of job losses. The decision sparked a bitter dispute between Scottish Labour and SNP leader John Swinney, who claims his meeting with Trump last September helped achieve the outcome. UK ministers dismissed his claims, saying the breakthrough resulted from UK government negotiations. The timing coincides with King Charles's visit to Washington and the final week of the Scottish parliament election campaign.
President Trump announced he will remove tariffs and restrictions on Scotch whisky following a White House visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla, citing their influence.
