Exports Remain at Record Levels
02 Oct 2012
Growth was seen in the USA, Venezuela, Germany and in exports to
Russia through the Baltic states in the first six months of this
year. Asia remained steady with good growth in Taiwan. This helped
Scotch Whisky exports maintain their value in the first half of
2012 at £1.8 billion, despite continuing pressure in some Eurozone
countries and the after-effect of an increase of shipments to
France last year ahead of a substantial tax rise.
In the first half of 2012, exports to the USA jumped by 13% to
£303 million and it remains the biggest market by value for Scotch
Whisky.
Venezuela, the ninth biggest market for Scotch, recorded
significant growth - leaping 31% to £42m. In Europe, Germany saw
exports increase 4% to £65m in the first six months of the year.
Latvia and Estonia now appear in the top 20 markets, reflecting a
surge in demand in Russia.
India saw an increase of 28% to £28m and the SWA remains hopeful
that a conclusion can be reached on the European Union/India Free
Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. The FTA would see a
gradual reduction of the onerous 150% tariff on imported spirits.
Reduction in that tariff would allow India to fulfil its potential
to be one of the biggest markets for Scotch.
Scotch Whisky continues to attract younger, affluent consumers
in newly emerging markets and this trend is expected to
continue.
Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association,
said:
"Over the past year the value of Scotch Whisky exports has
continued to increase and we're delighted to build on our
outstanding success in 2011 with 12% growth in the last 12 months.
While there has been a levelling off in the first half of this
year, the industry remains confident about the future.
"Recent announcements of investments in new distilleries and the
expansion of existing facilities demonstrate the level of
confidence producers have in future growth opportunities."
Notes to editors
In the full 12 months to the end of June 2012, value of Scotch
Whisky exports increased by 12% to £4.2 billion from £3.8
billion.
A table of top 20 export
markets are attached to the end of this news release. The
table
shows the change in value of exports in the first six months of
2012 compared with the first six months of 2011.
For further information contact Rosemary Gallagher, SWA
communications manager, Tel 0131 222 9230/0743 260 5385 or email rgallagher@swa.org.uk
Visit www.scotch-whisky.org.uk
Follow on Twitter @SWACentenary
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