The United States has removed the 10% tariff on imported Scotch whisky, a move that Scottish First Minister John Swinney described as delivering a "significant benefit" to producers.
The levy was lifted on Friday, shortly after the conclusion of the state visit by the King and Queen to Washington.
With the 10% duty eliminated, producers can either pass savings to consumers to boost volume or retain margins to offset other operational costs.
The timing suggests the trade concession was part of the diplomatic outcome of the royal tour, aimed at easing commercial friction between the two nations.
The removal of the tariff directly improves the cost structure for Scottish distillers exporting to the US, their largest single market.
With the 10% duty eliminated, producers can either pass savings to consumers to boost volume or retain margins to offset other operational costs.
The decision marks a reversal of the protectionist measures that had weighed on the sector, providing clarity for supply chains and pricing strategies in the premium spirits category.