USA & Ireland: American whiskey makers applaud easing of Irish tariffs

Shares of American distillers Brown-Forman, Constellation Brands, and MGP Ingredients were trending higher on September 14 in the wake of President Trump’s announcement to reverse the 10% tax on imported Irish whiskey, Seeking Alpha reported.

At the close of this weekend’s Irish Open golf tournament and ahead of the holiday season, Trump said, “On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off.” The timing of the action, however, was not discussed.

The tariff was lowered from 15% to 10% in July. In April, the president lifted the tariff on certain UK whiskeys, including those produced in Scotland and Northern Ireland, leaving the Republic of Ireland with a 10% export tariff on whiskey shipped to the U.S. According to the Irish Whiskey Association, the U.S. represents roughly 30% of Irish whiskey exports.

By opening U.S. trade to imports from the Republic of Ireland, U.S. distillers can now enjoy reciprocal exports into Ireland. Accordingly, shares of U.S. distillers lurched higher at the September 14th open, although have surrendered some of the opening gains.

Brown-Forman’s American whiskey and bourbon brands include Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and Coopers’ Craft. Non-U.S. brands include Benriach, Slane, Glenglassaugh, and Glendronach. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 is the most popular U.S. whiskey in Ireland.

Constellation Brands makes High West Whiskey and Nelson’s GreenBriar Tennessee Whiskey.

MGP Ingredients has a significant portfolio of both domestic and international brands, including but not limited to Bulleit Rye, Smooth Ambler Old Scout, Redemption, Templeton Rye, Smoke Wagon, WhistlePig, Joseph Magnus, and Sagamore Spirit.

15 September, 2026