The drinks trade has praised the UK–South Korea trade deal, which locks in permanent tariff-free access for British exports, finalised on Monday, 15 December. 

Announced by trade minister Chris Bryant and his Korean counterpart, minister Yeo Han-koo, this marks the fourth trade deal the UK government has agreed this year, following agreements with India, the EU and the US. 

According to the UK government, the deal with South Korea is expected to grow UK service exports by £400 million. 

It said that, under the deal, the automotive, pharmaceutical and food and drink industries have been protected and global supply chains secured. 

The government continued that the deal will legitimise the use of e-contracts and other digital technology, making trade partnerships quicker, cheaper and easier between the two countries. 

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) was among the first to celebrate the free trade deal, noting its benefits to the sector. 

The SWA said the deal will enhance Scotch’s access to a vital market. It continued that the deal will improve the efficiency of supply chains. 

Emily Weaver Roads, interim international director at the SWA, said: “We will continue to engage with the UK government to foster future growth for the UK’s largest food and drink export through the implementation of the deal and protecting the category in Korea.” 

Elsewhere, Nik Jhangiani, interim CEO at Diageo, also spoke out in favour of the agreement after the UK government highlighted the positive impact the deal would have on Guinness exports. 

Nik Jhangiani said: “I commend Sir Chris Bryant and his South Korean counterpart Jung-Kwan Kim in securing a new trade agreement between the UK and South Korea. 

“The deal will support export growth for Guinness, canned in Runcorn, and help satisfy the growing demand from South Korean consumers for the world’s number one stout.” 

In the wine sector, Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, commended the impact that the deal could have on the domestic wine trade. 

Bates said: “This agreement marks an important step in deepening our trade ties with one of Asia’s most dynamic markets. The inclusion of dedicated provisions to promote smooth customs procedures will help remove barriers and create a more efficient pathway for our wines to reach Korean consumers.  

“As we deepen our ties with East Asian export markets, this FTA provides a timely boost to our long-term growth and diversification efforts.” 

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