The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has revealed figures showing that global exports of Scotch whisky reached £5.4 billion in value in 2024. The organisations annual report showed that the equivalent of 1.4 billion 70cl bottles were exported in that year.
The figures show a 3.7 per cent decrease in value on the previous year; in 2023 global exports of Scotch whisky had a value of £5.6 billion. Mid-year figures released by the SWA in September 2024 showed that export value had then fallen by 18 per cent in 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year.
In contrast, global exports by volume increased by 3.9 per cent. The SWA says this reflects "changing trends" in consumer preferences.
Although European Union retained its position as the largest regional export market by volume, with 488 million bottles exported in 2024, India was the largest individual market by volume. It regained the position after being overtaken in 2023 by France. India is a priority growth market for the SWA, and export volume to the country has increased by 46.6 per cent since 2019. The United States remained the top export destination for whisky by value, with global exports totalling £971 million, a 0.7 per cent decrease on 2025.
There have been fluctuations in export figures since the Covid-19 pandemic, said the SWA, adding that in comparison to 2019's results, exports of Scotch whisky had increased by 10 per cent in value and 7 per cent in volume.
The SWA highlighted the "turbulent" global conditions facing the Scotch whisky industry. Mark Kent, SWA chief executive, commented: “Despite the resilience of the Scotch Whisky industry, 2024 has been a challenging year.
“At home, distillers are being stretched to breaking point, as consumers bear the brunt of a 14 per cent increase on the tax on every bottle of Scotch Whisky in the last 18 months alone. The cumulative effect of inflationary impacts on input costs such as cereals, energy and shipping, and the increased tax and regulatory costs, including the substantial cost of EPR [Extended Producer Responsibility] coming later this year, are being fed through to consumers when they 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 UK Government to promote strong and open trade relations with key export markets around the world, and particularly to advance negotiations on FTA [free trade agreement] with India, and engage with the US Administration. The United States remains a key market for Scotch, and where the industry contributes to the US economy through direct investment and jobs.”
Kent appealed to the UK government to make changes to support the success of the Scotch whisky industry. He continued: “...Support for the industry’s global success starts at home. For too long, the industry has been taken for granted, with the misguided and simplistic belief that decisions taken in Scotland and the wider UK won’t impact an industry which exports 90 per cent of its product, supports a large local supply chain and plays a valuable part in attracting tourists to Scotland.
“The Scotch Whisky industry is a proven driver of economic growth, jobs, and investment, and needs an environment free from the shackles of excessive taxation, regulation and uncertain operating costs. The UK government must redouble its efforts to back Scotch producers to the hilt, as promised by the Prime Minister.”
