Ross welcomes rise in Scotch whisky exports to record level
Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed news that Scotch whisky exports rose by nearly 8% in 2018 generating a record £4.7bn.
Douglas said: “As the MP representing the largest number of Scotch Whisky distilleries in the country I am absolutely delighted with these fantastic results which are a credit to everyone in the industry here in Moray and across Scotland. It is especially noteworthy that the exporting drive has been so successful in America, Asia and the Far East. The United States is now a £1bn market for Scotch Whisky after a 12% rise while the market in India, a rising economic giant, grew by a staggering 34%. Other top ten markets like Mexico, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates also saw rises in double digits. These are all growing economies and it is very significant that they are proving so receptive to our products.
“I have always believed that the best way the Government can help the industry is by not over-taxing it. This is why I have hosted Treasury ministers on visits to Moray, and lobbied the Treasury so hard since I was elected in 2017, to freeze whisky duty which it is has now done for two years. The result is a win-win with sales up, tax revenue up, a boost to our trade balance, and more and more investment. These latest figures show that was the right decision and it’s good to see this iconic Moray and Scottish product go from strength to strength.”
