US tariff removal on Irish whiskey will restore level playing field
The planned removal of the US tariff on Irish whiskey will provide greater certainty for future investment and restore a level playing field, Meath-based Boann Distillery has said.
Welcoming President Trump’s announcement, Boann founder and Managing Director Pat Cooney said the decision was particularly significant for independent distilleries seeking to build their presence in the United States.
The US is the world’s largest market for Irish whiskey, accounting for approximately one in every three bottles sold globally, and represents around 30% of Boann’s business. Irish whiskey exports to the US declined by 5% in 2025, according to Bord Bia.
“The announcement by President Trump is most welcome news for Boann and for the wider Irish whiskey industry,” said Mr Cooney.
“The full details and the date of implementation are not yet known, so we will need to see those before assessing the complete significance of the announcement. However, it is a very positive development for our industry.”
“The tariffs have increased the shelf price paid by American consumers and dampened the enthusiasm of retailers and distributors to stock Irish whiskey. That put us at a clear disadvantage to UK whisky, which has benefited from a zero tariff since July.
“Removing the tariff will put Irish Whiskey on a level footing with UK Whisky and bring much-needed certainty to the trading environment. Boann is currently constructing a visitor centre at its Drogheda distillery. Increased international awareness of Irish whiskey could also encourage more tourists to visit Irish distilleries, which already attract approximately one million visitors annually. Boann ships products close to 70 countries."
“For a family business such as ours, certainty matters. It allows us to plan ahead, and continue investing in the distillery.”
He said the timing of the announcement was particularly welcome in advance of the crucial holiday trading period.
“Thanksgiving is the big festive occasion in the US, so Irish whiskey should benefit from both the heightened awareness surrounding this announcement and, once the change takes effect, a more competitive shelf price."
“Irish whiskey has a long and very special association with America. Until around 1920, it dominated both the US and global markets, accounting for more than 70 per cent of whiskey sales. We now have an opportunity to introduce a new generation of American consumers to the depth and distinctiveness of Irish whiskey.”
Boann Distillery has focused particularly on Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, a style of whiskey unique to Ireland and closely associated with the country’s international success during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
“Single Pot Still is the whiskey style Ireland once produced and exported throughout the world,” Mr Cooney said.“At Boann, we are bringing that tradition forward for a modern audience. We believe this announcement can give a major boost to Irish whiskey in the US while also raising its profile among a much wider international audience.”
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