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Scotch Exports to EU Rise 3% Despite Difficult Trading Conditions Worldwide | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bottled-in-Scotland Malt Whisky achieves record exports |
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| Substantial growth of 13 per cent in shipments of Scotch Whisky to both Spain and Sweden in 1998, plus three per cent growth in France helped the Scotch Whisky industry to alleviate the difficult economic conditions faced elsewhere in the world. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shipments to EU countries rose by three per cent, against a fall in total shipments of eight per cent. Overall export volume was 254 million litres of pure alcohol (1997 - 276 mlpa). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The value of Scotch Whisky exports broke the £2 billion barrier for the sixth year running, reaching £2,030 million. Whilst difficult economic conditions, combined with the strength of sterling, meant value was off the record figure of £2,394 million achieved in 1997 by 15 per cent, the EU again shrugged off the wider economic difficulties, with export values rising three per cent to £830 million (£803 million). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bottled-in-Scotland malt whisky exports to all markets continued the significant growth seen in recent years, reaching record levels with rises of eight per cent in volume to 11.7 mlpa, and 13 per cent in value to £203.7 million. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Director General of The Scotch Whisky Association, Hugh Morison, said: “The industry warned throughout 1998 that it faced highly unusual circumstances - economic difficulties in developing markets and a strong pound. There is no surprise in these figures, nor complacency in the industry. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| “It is vital to remember that in 1997 the industry sent more bottles of Scotch Whisky overseas, at higher values than ever previously achieved. The industry may well have come off a peak, faced as it is with particularly unusual trading conditions, but Scotch Whisky remains a major export earner, generating more than £2 billion for the balance of trade. Shipments remain well in excess of the volumes seen throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| “In 1999, there are signs of improving economic conditions, particularly in the badly hit Asian markets. In addition, the industry has already this year seen the World Trade Organisation back its fight against tax discrimination in South Korea. Tax reform combined with improved economic conditions will offer great opportunities for the industry. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| “Government action at home and abroad to remove tax discrimination against Scotch would greatly assist the industry. That is why it is particularly disappointing that the Chancellor did not cut excise duty in last week’s Budget.” | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- END - Issued by Campbell Evans 0171 629 4384 or 0131 222 9235 home 0131 445 2381 mobile 0468 002262 |
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