Published 11:35 IST, November 6th 2019
Boris Johnson dials Trump, urges him to lift tariffs on Scotch whisky
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a phone call, urged United States President Donald Trump to lift tariffs from goods including Scotch Whiskey.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged US President Donald Trump to lift tariffs from the goods including Scotch Whiskey. During a telephone conversation, a Downing Street spokesperson said on November 5. Boris Johnson also urged Trump not to impose tariffs on car exports, the statement added.
Johnson urges Trump not to impose tariffs on goods
PM Boris Johnson in his conversation with Donald Trump highlighted the consequences of imposing tariffs on goods like Scotch Whiskey and on Cars. The UK government believes that the tariff on Scotch Whisky by the US affects £1 billion of single malt sales. Karen Betts, who is the CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) had reflected last month that the imposition of a 25 percent tariff will severely affect the industry.
No information disclosed from White House
On the other hand, the statement released by the White House did not provide any information regarding the tariff discussion between the two leaders. The statement read that both leaders have been able to re-established their relations and have committed to strengthening the Special Relationship with the help of robust bilateral free trade agreement, after Britain exit the European Union. The statement further added that President Donald Trump has also emphasized on the need for NATO allies to heavily fund their defenses.
US imposed high tariffs in the past
According to international media, the United States had imposed 25%-tariff on European goods including the Scotch Whiskey, the decision came in response to large subsidies that were imposed on large aircraft by the European Union. Apart from that, the Trump government has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on European Union cars and their parts. The Trump office might implement the renewed tariff plan from November 14. There has been a considerable delay in the tariff plan and according to the experts, the same might happen again.
Updated 12:44 IST, November 6th 2019