Official release
The first shipment of tariff-free Scotch whisky will depart the UK in the next 48 hours, after the President confirmed tariffs would be removed from UK whisky during His Majesty The King’s state visit to the US in April.
Whisky distilleries from Aberdeenshire to County Antrim to the Brecon Beacons will immediately benefit as the removal of US tariffs comes into force today (July 24) in a huge boost to one of Britain’s biggest and most iconic exports.
The whisky industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 jobs across the UK according to the Scotch Whisky Association.
Farmers, packaging manufacturers, and logistics operators across the nation now have immediate and easy access to one of the UK’s most important overseas markets.
Despite a new round of global tariffs announced by the US today, our landmark Economic Prosperity Deal remains in place, which means an improvement to our trading terms with zero tariffs on both whisky and medical technology.
To toast the win, a high-value air freight of premium Scotch whisky distilled in Aberdeenshire will depart in the next 48 hours from Manchester to Philadelphia – the first such freight to the US to enjoy no import taxes.
In another world-first, the shipment, worth £60,000, has used exclusively digital trade processes rather than paper-based documentation which cuts down shipping costs and loading times, with the UK continuing to pave the way for digital trade globally.
Smaller businesses are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries of the shift to digital trade.
For many small businesses, complex paperwork can be a barrier to entering new markets, but digital systems level the playing field, enabling smaller regional exporters to compete internationally, reach new customers and grow more quickly.
Arranged by digital trade company LogChain, the shipment of Skene Whisky brings together the best of British heritage, innovation and exporting ambition.
UK whisky exports were worth £5.4 billion in 2025, while whisky exports to the US alone were worth £1 billion - and this latest win will allow the sector across the UK to continue to thrive.
The Atlantic Proof Scotch being transported is a rare, limited-edition premium Scotch whisky, commemorating a bold new chapter in the UK-US trading relationship.
Matured in American oak casks, the spirit reflects the deep economic and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and the United States.
As part of the celebration, a limited number of commemorative bottles will be presented to representatives of the UK and US governments in recognition of the role played in strengthening transatlantic trade ties, including Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds and UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for North America Alan Gogbashian.
The shipment also shines a spotlight on Manchester and Liverpool’s growing role as major hubs for exports to North America and leaders in digital trade innovation as the cities help connect businesses across the UK with international markets while supporting jobs and investment throughout the North West and beyond.
“This project demonstrates how places like Liverpool City Region can combine tradition and technology to create new opportunities for businesses, jobs and investment.”
Whisky exports figures: UK overseas trade in goods statistics: May 2026 - GOV.UK
Whisky job figures: Scotch Whisky Economic Impact Report
Product: Premium limited-edition Scotch whisky (“Atlantic Proof”)
Digital trade platform: LogChain
Bottling strength: 100 Proof / 50% ABV
Maturation: American oak casks
UK Department for Business and Trade · Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. Text excerpted and formatting simplified; media and third-party quotations excluded. No endorsement implied.
Source: UK Department for Business and Trade ↗ · Updated 24 Jul 2026, 4:15 pm IST
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Last checked 2 Nov 2026, 5:41 pm IST · Coverage & methodology