Global exports of Scotch whisky grew to £4.51bn during 2021,
according to figures released today by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), as
the industry continues to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and
US tariffs.
In 2021, the value of Scotch whisky exports was up 19% by
value, to £4.51bn. The number of 70cl bottles exported also grew by 21% to the
equivalent of 1.38bn.
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| Scotch whisky exports on road to recovery |
Growth in 2021 was driven in particular by consumers in Asia Pacific and Latin America, with value increases of 21% and 71% respectively. Key emerging markets for Scotch whisky - like India, Brazil, and China - grew strongly. Exports grew by 8% in the United States – the industry largest market by value – despite the first quarter of 2021 impacted by the 25% tariff on Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Exports to the European Union grew by 8% in the first year since the UK left the transition period.
Commenting on the news, Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the
Scotch Whisky Association, said: "The global footprint of the industry in
2021 is a clear sign that the Scotch whisky industry is on the road to
recovery. Value and volume are both up as consumers return to bars and
restaurants, people return to travel and tourism, and we all return to a degree
of normality after a period of enormous uncertainty for consumers and business.”
Mark went onto say: “Scotch whisky growth in global markets
means more jobs and investment across Scotland and the UK supply chain. The
industry has continued to invest in its production sites, tourist attractions
and workforce to ensure that Scotch Whisky remains at the heart of a dynamic
international spirits market and attracts new consumers around the world. But
this this is no time for complacency. The industry continues to face global
challenges, including ongoing trade disruption, growing supply chain costs and
inflationary pressures, and undoubtedly there is some road to run before exports
return to pre-pandemic levels."
The (SWA) is also calling for the UK and Scottish
governments to do all they can to support the industry’s continued recovery by
making the most of global opportunities, including the ongoing UK-India trade
talks, ensuring fairness in the UK duty system, and investing in a more
sustainable future as the industry works to reach net-zero by 2040.
Despite the return to growth in 2021, the value of Scotch
Whisky exports has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with exports remaining
8% lower than 2019.
Posted by Steve Rush