The UK and India trade deal will result in a reduction on tariffs on Scotch whisky to India. India is reported to be the biggest whiskey market in the world and it was the biggest importer of Scotch whisky in 2024 by volume.

Tariffs are currently 150% on Scotch into India, but under the deal will be halved to 75% and reduced to 40% over a 10-year period.

Lead analysts for cereals and oilseeds at the AHDB Millie Askew said: “This is expected to be a massive thing for the industry. I think the Scotch Whisky Association said that it’s going to generate around an extra £1bn worth of exports over the next five years.

“Looking again on the malting barley side in a climate where we’re seeing fewer younger people drinking, cost of living, fewer people eating out and therefore drinking less, malting barley demand had been somewhat subdued. This is a really positive sign from the malting barley side.”

Irish whiskey producers in Northern Ireland will benefit from this trade deal, but producers in the Republic of Ireland will still face a 150% tariff. The export value of Irish whiskey to India increased by 107% in 2024.