The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has unveiled global export figures, revealing that the value of Scotch exports reached £5.4 billion in 2024. This amount translates to approximately 1.4 billion 70cl bottles of Scotch Whisky exported last year, averaging an impressive 44 bottles per second.
According to the figures released today, there has been a 3.7% decline in export value compared to 2023. The Scotch Whisky Association is urging both the UK and Scottish Governments to bolster support for the industry. Distillers have expressed concerns that ongoing pressures on consumer spending, along with increased domestic taxes and regulations, coupled with unpredictable global trade conditions, may adversely affect exports into 2025.
Interestingly, exports by volume have seen a 3.9% uptick, indicating a shift in global consumer preferences amidst a challenging trading landscape.
India has reclaimed its title from France as the leading destination for Scotch Whisky exports by volume, with 192 million bottles shipped. Meanwhile, the United States maintains its position as the largest export market by value, valued at £971 million in 2024.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, annual Scotch Whisky exports have experienced fluctuations as global markets navigated through various phases of lockdown, reopening, and recovery. Compared to 2019, the pre-COVID baseline, Scotch Whisky exports have risen by 10% in value and 7% in volume.
However, the whisky industry cautions that global trading conditions remain unpredictable entering 2025. The industry is calling on the UK government to alleviate growing domestic pressures. Measures sought include reducing excise duty—now at 70% of an average priced bottle—reevaluating the financial implications of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and expediting trade negotiations to lower tariffs and remove market access barriers in key markets like India.
Commenting on the export figures, Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, stated: “Despite the resilience of the Scotch Whisky industry, 2024 has been a challenging year.”
He continued, “At home, distillers are being stretched to breaking point, as consumers bear the brunt of a 14% increase in the tax on every bottle of Scotch Whisky in the last 18 months alone. The cumulative effect of inflationary pressures on input costs such as cereals, energy, and shipping, along with heightened tax and regulatory expenses—including the substantial cost of EPR coming later this year—are ultimately passed on to consumers who are tightening their belts.”
“Overseas, the tectonic plates of trade are shifting, and exports to traditionally strong markets in the EU and North America have become much more challenging. We continue to support the UK Government in promoting robust and open trade relations with key export markets globally, particularly in advancing FTA negotiations with India and engaging with the US Administration. The United States remains a critical market for Scotch, contributing to the US economy through direct investments and job creation.”
“But support for the industry’s global success starts at home. For too long, the industry has been taken for granted, under the misguided belief that decisions made in Scotland and the broader UK won’t affect an industry that exports 90% of its product, sustains a sizeable local supply chain, and plays a vital role in attracting tourists to Scotland. The Scotch Whisky industry is a proven engine of economic growth, job creation, and investment, and requires an environment free from excessive taxation, regulation, and uncertain operating costs. The UK government must intensify its efforts to support Scotch producers wholeheartedly, as assured by the Prime Minister.”
The largest export destinations for Scotch Whisky (defined by value) in 2024 (vs 2023) were:
USA: £971m -0.7% (£978m 2023) -9.1% on 2019 (£1.07bn)
France: £419m –11.6% (£474m in 2023) -3.0% on 2019 (£432m)
Singapore: £310m -17.9% (£378m in 2023) +3.5% on 2019 (£300m)
Taiwan: £298m -12.5% (£341m in 2023) +45.1% on 2019 (£205m)
India: £248m +13.8% (£218m in 2023) +49.5% on 2019 (£166m)
Spain: £196m +6.4% (£184m in 2023) +8.8% on 2019 (£180m)
Japan: £182m +7.1% (£170m in 2023) +24.2% on 2019 (£147m)
Türkiye: £178m +36.7% (£131m in 2023) +279.5% on 2019 (£47m)
Germany: £169m -14.2% (£197m in 2023) -8.3% on 2019 (£185m)
China: £161m -31.5% (£235m in 2023) +81.4% on 2019 (£89m)
The largest export destinations for Scotch Whisky (defined by volume, 70cl bottles equivalent) in 2024 were:
India: 192m bottles +14.6% (167m bottles in 2023) +46.6% on 2019 (131m bottles)
France: 177m bottles +1.9% (174m bottles in 2023) +2.3% on 2019 (173m bottles)
USA: 132m bottles +3.7% (127m bottles in 2023) +3.7% on 2019 (127m bottles)
Japan: 74m bottles +22.9% (60m bottles in 2023) +22.2% on 2019 (60m bottles)
Spain: 59m bottles +1.9% (58m bottles in 2023) +3.7% on 2019 (57m bottles)
Germany: 56m bottles –6.1% (59m bottles in 2023) +12.6% on 2019 (50m bottles)
Brazil: 52m bottles +22.8% (43m bottles in 2023) +22.1% on 2019 (43m bottles)
Poland: 48m bottles +5.6% (45m bottles in 2023) +46.9% on 2019 (33m bottles)
Türkiye: 47m bottles +14.0% (41m bottles in 2023) +216.2% on 2019 (15m bottles)
China: 30m bottles –1.7% (31m bottles in 2023) +77.3% on 2019 (17m bottles)
