Trump tariffs will be ‘damaging’ to Scottish economy – John Swinney

John Swinney has pledged to work with the UK Government to “promote and protect” Scottish businesses faced with huge tariffs from the US.

The first minister said the charges introduced by President Donald Trump would be “damaging” to both the Scottish and UK economies.

The US has set a baseline tariff of 10 per cent on all imports from around the world, with some countries facing even higher rates.

UK officials have been engaging with US counterparts in recent weeks in an attempt to avoid the tariffs. While this was unsuccessful, the UK was placed in a lower level than other countries – including those in the EU.

The issue was raised by Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay at the weekly First Minister’s Questions session in parliament.

Findlay said the tariffs would do “significant harm” to businesses, and he called on the Scottish Government to “do whatever they can to support Scottish businesses and protect jobs”.

He also urged ministers to support his call to “lower the record high tax on whisky” – referring to the UK Government increasing alcohol duty in its autumn budget last year – and to bring forward a US export plan.

Swinney said his government would “leave no stone unturned” in its efforts to protect jobs under threat as a result of the tariffs. He also confirmed he would engage with the Scotch Whisky Association over the weekend during his trip to the US for Tartan Week.

On alcohol duty, he said: “The United Kingdom government will make its financial decisions. Mr Findlay is well able to make his representations to the United Kingdom government.

“I notice that when the Conservative government was in power, they weren’t shy at putting tax up on Scottish whisky. It’s nice to know that Mr Findlay has had a conversion on the road to Damascus on that particular question.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier today confirmed his government was still working to secure a deal with the US to see the tariffs removed, but said that nothing was “off the table” in how it might respond.

He said: “I want to be crystal clear – we are prepared. Indeed, one of the great strengths of this nation is our ability to keep a cool head.”

A number of countries are considering retaliatory tariffs on US goods, with the UK government understood to be drawing up a list of possible options.

Tory MSP Stephen Kerr raised that matter in the chamber, urging the first minister to make the case for “fair and reciprocal trade”.

He added: “Rather than retaliate, we need to stay calm, keep a level head, and focus on reaching a deal that shields Scotland from the worst economic impacts.”

Swinney said he was a “believer in free and open trade”, adding that there are “different responses” that could be taken in light of the tariffs. “There will be close dialogue with the United Kingdom government on these questions,” he said.