Scotch Whisky Exports To The U.S. Top $1.3B On Double-Digit Growth
February 13, 2019Scotch whisky shipments to the U.S. surged by 12.8% to £1.04 billion ($1.3b) last year, accounting for about 22% of total Scotch exports, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. Shipment volume to the U.S. was also up strongly in 2018, rising 7.4%.
Globally, Scotch exports reached a new record high of £4.7 billion ($6.1b) on 7.8% growth. Blended Scotch accounted for nearly two-thirds of total shipments, but the higher-end single malt segment continues to outpace blended whiskies, increasing 11% to £1.3 billion ($1.7b) last year. In addition to the U.S., Singapore, United Arab Emirates, India, and Mexico also saw double-digit value increases in 2018.
Scotch Whisky Association CEO Karen Betts warned that the industry’s export gains could be imperiled by a no-deal Brexit, which is currently expected to occur at the end of March if U.K. and E.U. negotiators can’t come to terms.—Daniel Marsteller
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