The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has released figures showing a 15% decrease in export volumes to the United States from May to December 2025. 

The SWA said that this was directly linked to the implementation of a 10% tariff in April of the same year. 

As such, it called on the UK Government to finalise a deal with the US to return to zero-tariff trade. 

It also expressed concerns that tariffs may rise to an even higher 35% in July this year, as the sector approaches the end of a five-year suspension of the 25% single malt tariff. 

More generally, the SWA said that global exports of Scotch in 2025 fell by 0.6% in value and 4.3% in volume. 

Exports were valued at £5.36bn in 2025, with the equivalent of 1.3bn bottles exported around the world. This is a drop from the £5.4bn recorded in 2024. 

Outside of the pressures in the US, the trade association also warned that gains expected from trade deals in India and China may be dampened by increases in domestic tax and regulatory burdens. 

Mark Kent, CEO of the SWA, said: “The international trading environment continues to be challenging for Scotch Whisky producers, with tariffs and geo-political tension causing significant turbulence in some key markets.  

“At home, the industry faces soaring costs, from year-on-year duty increases to new packaging taxes. Our member companies tell us they are under strain not felt for decades, and that support is vital to weather the storm.  

“While global volatility has become the norm, it has now been joined by an increasingly uncompetitive domestic tax and regulatory environment. The spirits duty increase earlier this month, totalling more than 17% in three years, has clearly impacted jobs, investment potential and economic growth.”