SWA urges ‘zero tariff’ Brexit Scotch deal

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is calling for ‘zero tariffs’ to be placed on sales of Scotch in Europe after Brexit.

The Scotch whisky industry is calling for the government to ensure deals with 24 other key markets

Speaking at the SWA Members’ Day in Edinburgh today (3 May), SWA chief executive Karen Betts said Brexit “poses challenges for the industry, and is likely to be disruptive”.

“We want to continue to be able to export Scotch whisky to Europe and the rest of the world with a minimum additional cost and complexity, and so our industry can emerge from Brexit in growth,” she said.

“That means zero tariffs, a minimum of regulatory divergence and legal protection in the EU. But it also means continued access to the benefits of EU trade deals with third countries, including South Korea and Colombia.

She added that the loss of trade deals with emerging international markets such as Indian, China, and Brazil could “cost the industry over £50 million annually in tariffs alone”.

Betts is urging the UK government to swiftly put in place agreements with third countries so that the category “can continue to flourish there post-Brexit”.

At the conference, deputy first minister John Swinney MSP said: “Whisky is a product shaped by its environment and while steeped in tradition, the industry is not afraid to be dynamic and innovative.

“I am confident that there is opportunity for further growth and co-operation going forward, and that by working together we can make sure that the right skills are in place to ensure that the sector continues to go from strength to strength.”