The world changed today, and the historic Brexit Vote resulting in UK leaving the European Union has significant trade implications for all spirits, especially whisky. Major lobbies have issued the following statements.

The Distilled Spirits Council expressed disappointment:

“As the result of a 1994 treaty, the vast majority of spirits exports and imports between the U.S. and the EU have entered both markets duty-free,” said Christine LoCascio, senior vice president of international trade, noting that the United Kingdom is the top market for U.S. spirits exports.  “The UK’s decision certainly generates significant uncertainty.  However, given the shared interest in spirits trade across the Atlantic, the Council looks forward to working with the U.S. and UK governments and others to ensure continued duty-free access for U.S. spirits to the UK.”

In 2015, U.S. exports to the UK reached almost $231 million; of that, 88.5 percent was American Whiskey.  UK spirits imports into the U.S. were valued at $1.55 billion in the same year.  Of this, approximately 74 percent is accounted for by Scotch Whisky.

David Frost, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: 

 “Voters have spoken and decided that the UK should leave the European Union.  All must now get behind the government as it faces the challenges, and the opportunities, this decision brings. 

 “The process of leaving the EU will inevitably generate significant uncertainty.  Of course, we are confident Scotch Whisky will remain the pre-eminent international spirit drink.  But equally, there are serious issues to resolve in areas of major importance to our industry and which require urgent attention, notably the nature of future trade arrangements with both the single market and the wider world.  

 “The government will now need to consult as it prepares its negotiating approach.  We look forward to working closely with them on that.  We urge thoughtful and serious consideration by all parties so that we can secure the best possible continued access to the EU and other export markets on which Scotch Whisky’s success has been built, whilst minimising costs and complexity.”