Concluding a trip focused on promoting Scottish trade, Mr Swinney chaired a roundtable discussion with representatives from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and US partners.

The meeting underscored the significant, mutually beneficial trade links. The United States remains Scotch whisky’s premier export market, valued at £971 million in 2024, while Scottish distillers import around $300m (c. £235m) worth of used American bourbon casks annually.

Mr Swinney said: “The Scotch whisky and American whiskey industries enjoy strong links and support a huge amount of trade, jobs and investment on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Scotch whisky is a truly global brand that represents the best of Scotland’s economic innovation. The strength of the sector – and reputation of the products – can act as a passport to attract international investment in Scotland and help maximise the mutual benefits of trade and economic integration.

“Despite the increasingly volatile global economy, Scotland and the United States remain connected by strong social, economic and cultural bonds that have been forged over many years. The Scottish Government will strive to ensure they continue to strengthen.”

SWA chief executive Mark Kent said: “The Scotch whisky industry fully supports the First Minister’s efforts to highlight the investment Scotland, and particularly Scotland’s national drink, brings to the US economy, creating jobs across manufacturing, distribution and hospitality across the States.

“Scotch whisky is an example of the mutually beneficial trade which can be generated between Scotland and the United States. Scotch whisky is a quarter of all Scottish exports to the US. But it is not one way traffic across the Atlantic, with the industry working hand in glove with US partners to grow exports and inward investment to Scotland. It is this spirit of partnership which we are united in promoting.”