Irish whiskey exports fall 5% in 2025
Exports of Irish whiskey declined by 5% in value last year after the US hindered the category’s performance.
Irish food and drink agency Bord Bia released its Export Performance and Prospects Report 2025/26, which revealed that the value of total drinks exports from Ireland rose by 2% to €2 billion (US$2.3bn) in 2025.
Exports of Irish whiskey, which account for 45% of total drinks export value, fell by 5% to approximately €930 million (US$1.1bn) in 2025. Exports to the US were down by 5%, due to a build-up in stock in late 2024 to the first half of 2025 ahead of a 15% import tariff that was introduced last August.
Bord Bia also noted that Irish whiskey exports to the States were affected by the 12% devaluation of the US dollar.
According to the Bord Bia report, Irish whiskey ranked ninth in value terms within the global premium-plus spirits category, growing in value by 9% over the past five years. Citing IWSR 2025 data, Bord Bia said the sector was one of the fastest-growing spirits categories, only behind agave spirits.
The report also noted that established Irish whiskey brands grew in the US during the second half of 2025, while newer players suffered.
Meanwhile, exports of Irish whiskey to Canada grew by around 25% and Germany was the leading market for the category within the EU, which recorded ‘mixed results’.
Exports to France were stable, while shipments to Poland were slightly lower after a strong year in 2024. Exports to Belgium, Italy and Spain all showed good levels of growth.
Irish whiskey exports to Africa saw a rise of 26% last year, following growth of 48% in 2023. Within the region, Nigeria soared by 40% and South Africa grew by 30%.
Growth in Asia was driven by India and Japan, which increased by over 75% and 23% respectively since 2023.
Exports to Australia declined slightly after a very strong performance in 2024 but remained the second-most important market for Irish whiskey in the Asia Pacific region.
Gin declines as cream liqueurs boom
Irish gin exports fell by 14%, which Bord Bia attributed to ‘continued rationalisation of brand ranges’. It noted, however, that the US remained stable despite ‘difficult market conditions’ and the weak dollar. Gin exports to the EU were also in decline as a result of downward pricing pressure.
In contrast, Irish cream liqueur exports increased by 10% to €430m (US$502m) last year (up 20% since 2023).
Exports to the US and Canada accounted for over 63% of total Irish cream exports, with both markets performing well in 2025, Bord Bia highlighted. The performance in the EU was mixed, with growth led by Germany (19%) and France (up 32%). The UK grew by more than 20%.
On the US market, the report noted that the category faces greater competition from non-Irish cream liqueurs, pressure on consumer spend, the depreciation of the dollar, and tariffs.
Cream liqueurs in South America boomed with Bord Bia highlighting Chile (up 25%) and Argentina (up 137%) as increasing strongly. Asia and Oceania also grew, led by China, Australia and Singapore.
Meanwhile, spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) exports reached €220m (US$257m) in 2025, up from €55m (US$64m) in 2022. Around 90% of products in this category are exported to the US, with the other 10% spread between the UK and EU markets.
Irish beer posted a 7% increase to €350m (US$409m) while cider declined, with its value reaching just over €75m (US$88m).
Emerging markets on the rise
Bord Bia also cited diversification of market growth as a trend in the Irish drinks sector. “This is reflected in the proportion of Irish drinks exports destined for the US declining from 41% to 38% in 2025,” the report said. “This is expected to stabilise in 2026, though it highlights the importance of new markets for the industry.”
On the global travel retail channel, Bord Bia pointed to IWSR data that highlighted total beverage alcohol sales are estimated to rise from US$12.2bn in 2024 to US$16.5bn by 2034. Asia, namely India and China, remained the key duty free markets for the spirits sector, which is outperforming wine.
In its outlook for 2026, Bord Bia noted a ‘year of transition’ for the Irish drinks sector.
It expects modest growth in the EU, alongside continued gains in emerging markets, particularly in central and eastern Europe.
Bord Bia said: “Markets such as India, Nigeria, South Africa, Japan and China are expected to grow as more Irish exporters enter the market and awareness of Irish drinks increases in these regions.
“Overall prospects for the Irish drinks sector in the medium and long term remain positive, with a return to growth in our key established markets and continued opportunities in emerging markets, especially in Africa, Asia and South America.”
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