Chinese Whisky Tariff Cut Comes into Force

A cut in tariffs on Scottish whisky exports to China has come into force, the prime minister told BBC News.

Scotch whisky is a key export for Britain’s drinks sector, with more than £5 billion in annual exports.

Under a new deal agreed during Sir Keir Starmer’s trip to China, import taxes on whisky will be reduced from 10% to 5%—a move the UK government said would be worth £250 million to the UK economy over the next five years.

Scotch whisky is a key export for Britain’s drinks sector, with more than £5 billion in annual exports. China has been one of its fastest-growing markets in recent years.

The prime minister said the move was “hugely good news” for the sector, translating into “money, wealth and jobs back in the United Kingdom.”

Speaking to the BBC’s Chris Mason during his visit, Sir Keir said: “We also announced that tariffs on whisky would be halved. I can tell you now that has moved on in 24 hours and that halving of tariffs will start on Monday. For the whisky sector back at home, that is hugely good news. Along with the deal we did with India, this is very welcome news because they know that translates into money, wealth and jobs back in the United Kingdom.”