Donald Trump’s economic policies “could well be difficult” for Scotland, John Swinney has admitted.
The First Minister said today his Government was already “taking steps” to prepare for the possible imposition of tariffs on Scottish exports to the US.
Trump used his inauguration speech on Monday to pledge to establish an “external revenue service” to raise more cash from goods imported to America.
Economic experts fear the establishment of a wide-ranging system of tariffs could hard hit key Scottish exports like whisky.
Speaking in Glasgow today, Swinney said the Scottish Government has “absolutely no alternative” but to deal with Trump’s new administration in Washington.
The SNP leader has repeatedly stressed the importance of the relationship between Scotland and the US in recent weeks.
Asked whether different stances on things like immigration could strain the relationship with the US, Swinney said: “President Trump has been elected, he will take decisions. His decisions will potentially have an effect on issues that matter to us.
“I’ve made no secret of the fact that I am alert to the danger of (trade) tariffs and the danger that could do to the Scotch whisky industry, which is a significant generator of wealth and income and opportunity within Scotland.
“So there is absolutely no alternative but for me to engage with the US administration led by President Trump, should those circumstances arise, and that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
Asked by the Record about the potential impact of American tariffs on Scottish exports, Swinney said: “The honest answer is I don’t know what the detail will be.
“But from what I have listened to, over the course of the thinking that President Trump has outlined, I’ve got reasons to think that we need to be taking steps to equip ourselves to deal with a situation that could well be difficult for us in the future.
“Ministers are discussing these issues, and what steps we have to take, to make sure we properly protect the Scottish economic interest, in whatever circumstances we face.
The First Minister has previously rejected calls, led by the Scottish Greens, for ministers to refuse to meet Trump or anyone in his administration if they visit Scotland.
The new President is expected to travel to Scotland this year for the opening of a new course at the golf club he owns in Aberdeenshire.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, clickhere