First Minister John Swinney says there is a "real chance" that a special trade deal for Scotch whisky could be agreed with US President Donald Trump following talks in the White House.
Swinney claimed the UK government had not sufficiently prioritised whisky in trade discussions with Trump, but that he had "sorted" that situation over the summer.
The Scottish government is seeking a reduction or removal of 10% import taxes, known as tariffs, on Scotch entering the US - which the whisky industry says costs businesses £4m per week.
The BBC understands the UK government is seeking whisky tariff reductions as part of wider trade negotiations with the US.
In a statement, a UK government spokesperson said: "There is huge appetite for our whisky in the US and around the world, and our Trade Strategy will help Scottish firms sell even more products in new markets as part of the Plan for Change.
