Brexit
January 2020
The Scotch Whisky industry welcomes parliamentary approval of the Withdrawal Agreement and a more certain outlook for the next stages of the Brexit process.
However, there is still a lot to do to agree the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU. Rapid progress will need to be made on a number of complex issues if our industry and others are to be fully prepared for new trading conditions after the end of the implementation period. It is important to us that there are no new barriers to trade with the EU, and that we have continued Geographical Indication protection for Scotch Whisky. We would also like early confirmation from government that any new customs procedures will be rigorously tested with the industry before coming into effect.
The uncertainty posed by Brexit was compounded for our industry last October by the imposition of a 25% tariff on Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Scotch Whisky liqueur exports to the US, our most valuable export market. We have been clear that the UK Government must ensure this tariff is removed ahead of the launch of any future UK-US trade negotiations. We are also urging the government to confirm a package of support for the industry at a time when Scotch Whisky is paying 62% of the UK’s tariff bill in the Airbus dispute between the EU and the US, including by reducing excise duty on Scotch Whisky in the March Budget.
news & commentary
SWA statement on Withdrawal Agreement
Our industry has consistently called for clarity over what that UK's new relationship with the EU will look like in practice, particularly on the continued protection of geographical indications, customs procedures and future trade policy.
Karen Betts Speech to Scotsman Food & Drink Conference
The water of life: how Scotland's national drink is confronting new challenges to thrive beyond Brexit
Scotch Whisky looks for continued growth through Brexit
The Scotch Whisky industry's recent growth must be maintained beyond Brexit, delegates at the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) conference heard today.
Scotch Whisky Association welcomes Brexit transition agreement
The Scotch Whisky Association has set out the priorities for the Scotch Whisky industry as the Brexit transition agreement is set to be approved by EU leaders.
Comment on PM Brexit speech
"The Prime Minister's speech has taken us closer to the clarity which key industries like Scotch Whisky require if we are to mitigate the risks and harness the opportunities of Brexit.
SWA comment on Brexit transition
SWA welcomes the clear progress made in the first phase of the Brexit negotiations
publications
Scotch Whisky Brexit Brief
On balance, the draft Withdrawal Agreement and accompanying Political Declaration on the Future UK-EU Relationship stand up well against the Scotch Whisky industry's Brexit priorities.