UK explores new markets for Scotch Whisky

The UK Government is planning to strengthen its whisky market by exploring new options overseas as it leaves the EU.

The Department for International Trade has created 11 working groups that will focus on fortifying trade and commercial ties with key partners worldwide, including the US, Australia, China, India, Mexico, South Korea, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Ministerial trade dialogues have also been established with countries such as Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Kazakhstan, and Brazil. 

Currently, the government is working on different ways to reduce export tariffs on Scotch Whisky and other Scottish produce. Export tariffs for Scotch whisky currently range from 0% to more than 150%.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: "Scotch Whisky is a world-class product, globally recognised for its quality and heritage, and the industry employs thousands of people in Scotland and around the rest of the UK.

"We are determined to open up new markets around the world for the very best whisky our distillers have to offer, and to drive down any tariffs they face.

"By strengthening ties with key partners, identifying new markets, and tackling tariffs, the UK Government is paving the way towards an even brighter future for Scotland's whisky industry."

Whisky is worth around £5bn to the UK economy and accounts for three quarters of Scotland's total food and drink exports.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: "With the recent uplift in trade, we should raise a glass to our exporting success and further help UK businesses make the most of an ever-growing demand for top-selling British products such as Scotch whisky as part of a Global Britain.

"Reducing the costs for companies to sell overseas will become one way of further opening up free trade routes and boosting sales, and that's why I've tasked my international economic department to look at how we can support more businesses to build their brands abroad."