Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed the lifting of tariffs from Scottish shortbread. The tariffs had been applied to Scottish produce by the USA in retaliation for similar applied on aircraft parts from the USA by the EU.
Commenting, Douglas said: “This is a positive step which I know will be widely welcomed by manufacturers in Moray including Walkers of Aberlour.
“It's also a good starting point for getting tariffs lifted from other iconic Scottish produce such as Cashmere and Scotch Whisky, which is something I have been working towards at Westminster, having held a series of meetings with ministers from the Department of International Trade, raising the issue at every opportunity and most recently seeking to secure a debate on the matter.
“At a time when we are working towards getting the economy back up and running, these tariffs have a severe impact on these industries, which are crucial to the Scottish economy. I’m pleased the UK Government is working towards having them removed from our produce, and this is the first step towards this happening.
“I know this issue will continue to be raised by the UK during trade talks with the USA. Moray has really borne the brunt in this trade dispute so removing these tariffs is a top priority for me as the local MP and for the Government.”