Trump Lifts Irish Whiskey Tariff at Golf Tournament

Key points

• Trump announced the elimination of the 10% US tariff on Irish whiskey on September 13, 2026.
• The announcement was made at the Irish Open golf tournament at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Ireland.
• The decision followed a dinner conversation with Shane Lowry, Rory McIlroy, and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
• Irish whiskey distillers had faced a competitive disadvantage since May, when the US removed tariffs on UK whiskey.
• The 10% rate was established after the US Supreme Court deemed previous punitive tariffs illegal.

Background

This development follows a series of recent US trade adjustments, including tariff increases on Canadian goods in early September 2026 and debates over beef import policies. The current tariff structure on Irish whiskey stems from a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated earlier, higher punitive rates, setting the baseline at 10% for most EU products.

How outlets are covering it

AP News and Yahoo News reported the announcement as a direct response to lobbying by golfers and Irish officials, highlighting the immediate crowd reaction. Politico emphasized the strategic nature of the move, noting that Ireland hosted the tournament at Trump’s resort to curry favor, mirroring the UK’s earlier tariff removal tied to King Charles’s visit. All sources agree on the 10% rate and the competitive disadvantage Irish distillers faced relative to UK brands since May.

Why it matters

The tariff removal restores competitive parity for Irish whiskey in the US market, the primary export destination for Irish distillers. It signals that high-profile diplomatic or social engagements can influence trade policy, potentially setting a precedent for other EU nations seeking tariff relief through similar channels.

What to watch

Monitor the official implementation timeline for the tariff removal and assess the impact on Irish whiskey exports to the US. Watch for similar tariff adjustments for other EU products following this precedent.