September 13, 2025: John Swinney meets Trump and other news
Will Trump cut tariffs on Scotch whisky?, AWA names first CEO, National Cachaça Day in Brasil, UK gov plans on-trade business rates reform, Okinawa rum and more...
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Hello everyone!
I had to postpone my newsletter this time. Working with a connection is never a smooth process when you are traveling by plane but we haven’t missed anything special over the past few days. Here is a roundup of some news I’ve gathered for you.
Trump may consider cutting tariffs on Scotch whisky
...which means nothing at the moment. After meeting president Trump earlier this week, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said the US could consider reopening the US-UK trade deal to cut Scotch whisky tariffs. The meeting seems to have created an opportunity for Scotch whisky, which didn't appear to be on the agenda beforehand.
You can read more details in Simon Johnson's article for The Telegraph:
Trump considering tariff cut for Scotch whisky, says Swinney
The impact of US tariffs on the Scotch Malt Whisky Society
The owner of the Artisanal Spirits Company has revealed £1 million of unshipped stock and a 9% loss in membership across the US market, after Trump's tariffs took effect.
Scott Reid is reporting the news for The Scotsman:
Artisanal Spirits Company: Scotch Malt Whisky Society owner takes action after £1m trade tariff blow
American Whiskey Association appoints its first CEO
The American Whiskey Association (AWA) has named a CEO for the first time in its history. Michael Bilello, who was previously executive VP of strategic communications & marketing at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), will take the role.
You can read Henry Mathieu’s article in the Global Drinks Intel:
Today is National Cachaca Day in Brasil
Brasil is celebrating its National Cachaça Day today, and the Minas Gerais Agency has announced activities throughout the rest of the month in many cities. The initiatives will include courses and informative meetings for producers, conducted by technicians from the Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária (IMA). The institute is working hard to reduce the number of unregistered distilleries.
More details here on Agência Minas Gerais's website:
UK government plans to reform hospitality business rates
The UK government may lower the business rates for hospitality firms starting from April 2026. This proposal has been received as a positive step forward by the industry, which has long been debating over this topic.
You can find more details about the reform plan in an article by Lauren Bowes in The Spirits Business here:
Something to read
The rise of Okinawa rum
With the yen making currency exchange more favourable for Europeans, this seems to be the year for trips to Japan. In case you are planning to travel there, here is an interesting article about Okinawa rum.
Article by Miriam Gradel in The Japan Times:
That’s all for today. Remember to raise a glass of cachaça to celebrate this wonderful spirit, and enjoy the weekend ;)
See you on Monday!