India and the United Kingdom are on track to put their long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) into effect as early as April 2026 according to the sources.
China has agreed to halve its import tariffs on Scotch whisky, offering export gains for UK distillers. At home, however, a new rise in excise duty has reignited industry anger over taxation and lost growth.
Recent data from the SWA shows that India has already reclaimed the top spot from France as the largest market for Scotch whisky by volume, with nearly 192 million bottles shipped.
With the Autumn Budget fast approaching on 26 November 2025, investors across the UK are bracing themselves for what is shaping up to be one of the most consequential financial statements in recent years.
Recent data from the SWA shows that India has already reclaimed the top spot from France as the largest market for Scotch whisky by volume, with nearly 192 million bottles shipped.