President Donald Trump announced Sunday he is removing the 10% tariff on all Irish whiskey. The move ends a trade barrier that had been in place for years. The White House confirmed the decision during the trophy ceremony for the Irish Open golf tournament. Trump made the statement on September 13, 2026, while standing in Doonbeg, Ireland. Trump told the crowd that people had been asking him to drop the tax for a long time. The Republican president stated that everyone has been pestering him to do it. “And I said, ‘On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off’” of Irish whiskey.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause at the news. Irish Open winner Shane Lowry was among those celebrating the sudden change in trade rules.
Trump Shuts Down EU Tariff Offer, Demands Bloc Buy More U.S. Energy to Avoid Trade Warhttps://t.co/vrM8geKr9K
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According to the Washington Examiner, Trump called the previous tax “very unfair” because other nations had already received relief. He noted that the tariff had been reduced from 15% to 10% earlier this year but remained higher than rates for some competitors.
Trump said Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and golfer Shane Lowry both raised the issue with him. Per RedState, the President joked that he was happy to help his friends. Shane Lowry laughed when asked if he pushed for the change. “He also announced he was removing tariffs on whiskey because of me … so distillers better start sending me a cheque,” he said. Lowry added, “I’ll take credit for that.” He confirmed he attended a dinner with Trump but said the President did not tell him about the plan beforehand.
Eoin Ó Catháin, who directs the Irish Whiskey Association, expressed that his group feels “delighted” by the news. He told Breitbart that the U.S. is their biggest market and the tax had caused real pressure. Chris Swonger, representing the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, greeted the move with welcome. “This announcement is another positive step toward reducing barriers to spirits trade,” he said.
This decision follows a similar move Trump made in April for Scottish whiskey. He lifted those tariffs after a visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Washington Examiner reported that the new Irish order fixes an imbalance created by the earlier Scottish deal. It also caps a two-day trip that included other diplomatic moments. Trump praised the Irish people during his visit. We find Ireland incredibly inviting and are deeply honored to present you with this excellent course, as Ireland itself has been so wonderful. It’s been great,” he said.
The removal of the tariff means Irish whiskey will likely cost less for American buyers. No further legislative vote is needed for this executive action to take effect.
