Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that he hopes to reach an agreement with India on free trade before the end of the year. But, as he prepares to meet with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, it's too early to celebrate the chances of an agreement that might be difficult to reach.
No other country consumes as much whiskey as India, which should be cause for celebration for Scotland's world-renowned industry. However, due to 150 percent levies on imported whiskey, each bottle of Scotch sold in India comes with a high price tag. As a result, the vast majority of whiskey consumed in India is produced within the country's boundaries. Scotch whisky only accounts for 2% of the market.
If tariffs are removed, the Scotch Whisky Association estimates that exports will increase by £1 billion.