US President Donald Trump has announced plans to remove the 10% tariff currently imposed on Irish whiskey entering the United States.

The surprise announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, County Clare, on Sunday.

Trump joined Taoiseach Micheál Martin to present the trophy to Irish golfer Shane Lowry, who secured a record-breaking 11-shot victory.

Announcement welcomed by Irish distillers

Addressing spectators following the tournament, Trump said the whiskey tariff had been raised with him by the Taoiseach, Lowry and several others during his visit.

The president then confirmed his intention to remove the charge, prompting loud cheers from the crowd in Doonbeg. (reuters.com, apnews.com)

The announcement represents a potentially significant boost for Ireland’s drinks industry. However, details regarding when the change will take effect and how it will be formally implemented have not yet been released.

Why the American market matters

The United States is the most valuable overseas market for Irish whiskey, with annual exports worth an estimated €450 million.

Irish whiskey produced in the Republic has been subject to the wider tariff placed on European Union wine and spirit exports. The rate was originally set at 15% before being reduced to 10% in July 2026. (ibec.ie, reuters.com)

The tariff increased costs for Irish producers and created uncertainty for distilleries, distributors and American businesses selling Irish brands.

The Irish Whiskey Association has consistently argued for the return of the previous “zero-for-zero” trading arrangement between the European Union and the United States.

The organisation welcomed Trump’s announcement and said it would continue working with partners in Europe and America to secure tariff-free access for the wider drinks industry.

Northern Ireland whiskey already covered by UK agreement

Whiskey produced in the United Kingdom, including qualifying products made in Northern Ireland, had already received preferential tariff treatment under a separate UK-US agreement.

The zero-tariff arrangement for UK-produced whisky came into effect during the summer, placing distilleries in the Republic at a competitive disadvantage in the American market. (gov.uk, ustr.gov)

Once implemented, Trump’s latest commitment would appear to restore more equal access to the US market for Irish whiskey produced across the island.

Irish whiskey is a protected geographical product that can be produced in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, provided it meets the required production standards.

A memorable day for Shane Lowry

The tariff announcement followed an exceptional performance from Shane Lowry, who claimed his second Irish Open title 17 years after winning the tournament as an amateur.

Lowry finished on 23 under par after a final-round score of 63, winning by 11 shots and setting new tournament records for both the lowest total score and largest victory margin.

Patrick Reed and Joaquin Niemann finished tied for second, while Rory McIlroy ended the tournament tied for 41st place. (reuters.com, apnews.com)

Trump watched much of Sunday’s action before joining Micheál Martin for the trophy presentation on the 18th green.

Industry now awaits formal confirmation

While the president’s announcement has been warmly received, Irish exporters will now await the official measures required to remove the tariff.

No effective date was immediately provided, meaning the existing 10% charge remains relevant until the new arrangement is formally confirmed by the United States.

If implemented as announced, the decision would offer welcome relief to Irish distillers and strengthen one of Ireland’s most valuable trading relationships.

For an industry built on exports, heritage and close links with the United States, the removal of the tariff could prove to be one of the most economically significant moments of Trump’s visit to Ireland.