WALKERS Shortbread is among the Scottish companies hit by US trade tariffs.
The Speyside company, which said it is the largest exporter of sweet biscuits to the US, said the move imposed earlier this month as part of a wider tussle between the US and the European Union over subsidies for aircraft manufacturers means a 25% tariff for Walkers.
The retaliatory tariff is affecting produce including malt whisky and biscuits.
READ MORE: Whisky jobs could be put at risk by US tariff
The family-run business produces a range of butter shortbreads and other Scottish specialties and ships about 5,000 tonnes of shortbread to the US each year.
The firm said this involves more than 200 of the company’s 1,600-strong workforce.
Walkers has traded duty-free with the US for 40 years and its US subsidiary in Hauppage employs 30 people there.
READ MORE: President Donald Trump administration's tariff
Jim Walker, joint managing director of Walkers Shortbread, said the company is “determined to fight to retain its position in the US”. He said he believes the company is facing a “disproportionate penalty”.
He said that “having survived many challenges in their 40-year journey in the export market, the company is committed to doing everything possible to protect jobs and ensuring the business’ longevity”.
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