Scotch whiskey exports over £6bn for first time
The Asia-Pacific region overtook the EU as the Scotch whiskey’s largest regional market
Global exports of Scotch Whiskey grew to more than £6bn for the first time in 2022, according to figures released by the Scotch Whiskey Association (SWA).
In 2022, the value of Scotch Whiskey exports was up 37% by value, to £6.2bn. The number of 70cl bottles exported also grew by 21% to the equivalent of 1.67bn.
The Asia-Pacific region overtook the EU as the industry’s largest regional market, with double-digit growth in Taiwan, Singapore, India and China as the post-Covid recovery continued.
While established EU markets such as France, Germany and Spain continued their post-pandemic bounce-back with strong growth in 2022, India replaced France as the largest Scotch Whiskey market by volume. Despite double digit growth, Scotch Whiskey still only comprises 2% of the Indian whiskey market. SWA analysis shows that a UK-India FTA deal which eases the 150% tariff burden on Scotch Whiskey in India could boost market access for Scotland’s whiskey companies, allowing for an additional £1bn of growth over the next five years.
In North America, the United States continued its recovery following the impacts of tariffs on Single Malt Scotch Whiskey to again be the industry’s only market with exports valued over £1bn. Both Mexico and Canada also saw growth, underlining the importance of securing further market access wins through the renegotiation of the UK’s Free Trade Agreements with both countries.
Commenting on the figures, chief executive of the Scotch Whiskey Association Mark Kent said:
“During a year of significant economic headwinds and global supply chain disruption, the Scotch Whiskey industry continued to be an anchor of growth, supporting investment and job creation across Scotland and the UK.
The Scottish Government’s Rural Affairs & Islands Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “It is fantastic to see exports of Scotch whiskey increase in 2022 and I want to congratulate everyone in the sector on another successful year. Scotch whisky is a world-renowned brand and its value to the Scottish economy is evidenced by the large share of the UK’s food and drink export market it commands.”
The UK Government’s Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade Nigel Huddleston said: “Scotch Whiskey is one of the UK’s great exporting success stories, contributing billions of pounds to the economy and supporting thousands of jobs, so I’m pleased to see these export figures showing a growing global demand.
“It’s essential we continue to support the industry as it expands into new markets thanks to our new trade agreements around the world such as CPTPP and in India. As we set our sights on £1 trillion exports by 2030, I’m confident we can see Scotch Whisky go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
