• Analysis and Studies
• Whisky: import and export

Whisky is a distilled spirit made from fermented grains and varies greatly depending on its origin and production methods. The production process involves mashing, fermenting, distilling, aging in barrels, and bottling, resulting in a wide array of flavor profiles from smoky and robust to sweet and delicate. For example, Scotch whisky from Scotland is known for its rich and often smoky flavors, and must be aged for at least three years, while Irish whiskey is typically smooth and light, thanks to its triple distillation process. American Whiskey includes Bourbon, which is sweet with notes of caramel, and Rye, which offers a spicier taste. Canadian Whisky is usually lighter and blended, while Japanese Whisky features a range of refined flavors inspired by Scotch.

In 2022, whisky was the world's 259th most traded product, with a total trade of $14.2B, and between 2021 and 2022 the exports grew by 20.3%, from $11.8B to $14.2B.

In 2022 the most significant exporter was the United Kingdom, with a trade of $8.02B, ahead of United States ($1.44B), Ireland ($852M), Singapore ($476M), and Japan ($449M). Whereas the country which imported whisky the most was the United States, with a trade of $2.11B, followed by France ($865M), China ($676M), Netherlands ($661M), and Singapore ($623M).

This distribution highlights the United Kingdom’s broad global reach, the diversified trade connections of the United States and the growing influence of Asian markets, especially China, in the global whisky trade. The United Kingdom’s markets include the United States, France, and several Asian countries like Singapore and Chinese Taipei.

The United States, has a diverse range of markets, including the Netherlands, Australia, and Germany, as well as significant trade with the United Kingdom and Japan, while Ireland's exports are heavily concentrated in the United States with notable trade to the United Kingdom and Germany. Singapore’s portfolio focuses primarily on Asia, with Vietnam and China as major destinations, while Japan’s exports are centered on China and the United States, also reaching Europe and Southeast Asia.

1. United Kingdom (56.4%): 17.2% United States, 7.7% France, 5.56% Singapore, 5.29% Chinese Taipei, 4.15% India, 3.77% China, 3.53% Germany, 2.81% Panama, 2.8% Spain, 2.24% Brazil, 2.02% Netherlands, 1.52% South Africa
2. United States (10.1%): 10.8% Netherlands, 8.67% Australia, 8.45% Germany, 7.91% United Kingdom, 7.05% Japan, 6.32% Spain, 5.87% Canada, 5.17% France, 4.51% Panama, 2.13% Brazil, 144% China, 1.43% Singapore, 1.08% South Africa
3. Ireland (5.98%): 32.8% United States, 6.95% United Kingdom, 5.49% Germany, 4.9% South Africa, 4.67% Canada, 4.41% Latvia, 4.24% France, 2.56% Australia, 2.39% Netherlands, 2.18% Poland, 1.34% Singapore -- europa
4. Singapore (3.34%): 21.9% Vietnam, 18.7% China, 7.42% Indonesia, 6.96% Hong Kong, 6.85% Thailand, 1.03% Netherlands
5. Japan (3.15%): 32% China, 20.3% United States, 8.76% France, 7.52% Singapore, 5.32% Netherlands, 4.4% Chinese Taipei, 2.89% United Kingdom, 2.72% Australia

 The graphic highlights the United States as the leading whisky importer, primarily sourcing from the United Kingdom, with additional imports from Ireland, Canada, and Japan. France also relies heavily on United Kingdom’s whisky, while China’s imports are dominated by both the United Kingdom and Japan, signaling a rising demand for premium whisky.

Similarly, the Netherlands and Singapore show significant imports from the largest importer, reinforcing its central role in global whisky trade. These patterns emphasize the United Kingdom's dominant position and regional trade relationships.

1. United States (14.8%): 65.3% United Kingdom, 13.2% Ireland, 12.3% Canada, 4.31% Japan, 3.15% France
2. France (6.08%): 71.4% United Kingdom. 8.61% United States, 4.54% Japan, 4.18% Ireland, 4.14% Netherlands, 2.43% Belgium, 1.61% Germany
3. China (4.75%): 44.7% United Kingdom, 21.3% Japan, 13.2% Singapore. 5.8% Hong Kong, 3.07% United States, 2.9% Netherlands, 2.05% France, 0.61% Ireland
4. Netherlands (4.64%): 24.5% United Kingdom, 23.5% United States, 17.9% Germany, 8.33% Belgium, 6.26% France, 3.61% Japan, 3.08% Ireland, 1.81% Spain, 0.74% Singapore
5. Singapore (4.38%): 71.5% United Kingdom, 5.41% Japan, 4.93% Malaysia, 3.31% United States, 3.12% Netherlands, 1.83% Ireland, 1.38% France

Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing exporter was the United Kingdom, with an increase of $1.53B, followed by United States ($355M), Singapore ($126M), Germany ($91.1M), and Netherlands ($78.6M).

1. United Kingdom: from $6.49B to $8.02B
2. United States: from $1.09B to $1.44B
3. Singapore: from $350M to $476M
4. Germany: from $276M to $367M
5. Netherlands: from $318M to $397M

Whereas the imports grew the fastest in the United States, with an increase of $273M, ahead of India ($220M), Panama ($169M), Singapore ($132M), and United Arab Emirates ($120M).

1. United States: from $1.84B to $2.11B
2. India: from $236M to $456M
3. Panama: from $127M to $296M
4. Singapore: from $491M to $623M
5. United Arab Emirates: from $228M to $348M

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