Drinks Significantly less Scotch whisky shipped abroad

Scotch whisky is a trademark of Great Britain. But the export hit is no longer as popular as it used to be.

Due to the difficult global economic situation and high tariffs in the most important market, the USA, exports of Scotch whisky have fallen significantly. The value of exports fell to 2.1 billion pounds (CHF 2.3 billion) in the first half of the year.

This was 18 percent less than in the same period last year, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) in Edinburgh. Exports to Germany fell even more sharply: by a good 30 percent to 63.5 million pounds.

SWA boss Mark Kent said that the first half of the year had been challenging "as it has been for other high value global exports". "This was not surprising given the volatile international situation affecting the global economy and the inflationary pressures impacting consumers in world markets," Kent said.

The USA remains by far the most important market, even though US import duties of 25 percent are weighing on the industry. At a good 421 million pounds, the USA accounts for around a fifth of the value of all exports. Exports had already fallen in 2023 after the record year of 2022.

India is the largest market by volume

Demand in India has once again risen sharply. The value of exports climbed by around 12%, and with the equivalent of 85 million 0.7-liter bottles, more whisky was exported to India than to any other country - despite import duties of 150%.

SWA boss Kent called on the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support the industry as promised. "These figures are a reminder that the success of Scotch whisky cannot be taken for granted and government support is needed to help the industry through short-term fluctuations."

The association called for a reduction in alcohol duty, which was sharply increased last year, as well as the swift conclusion of a free trade agreement with India to reduce import duties there.

SDA