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Scotch whisky exports broke records in 2022, growing to more than £6 billion for the first time.

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.

India has also now replaced France as the largest Scotch whisky market by volume. Scotch whisky still only comprises 2% of the Indian whisky market, despite double digit growth. However, SWA analysis suggests that a UK-India free trade deal which eases the 150% tariff burden on Scotch whisky in India could boost market access for Scottish producers, in turn allowing for an additional £1 billion of growth over the next five years.

Established whisky markets in the EU — including France, Germany and Spain — saw strong growth in 2022, as export bounced back following the Covid-19 pandemic.

And the US was the only market with exports valued over £1 billion, as sales continue their recovery following the impacts of tariffs on Single Malt Scotch Whisky.