The export value of European distilled spirits totalled €10.7 billion in 2017, 5% higher than the year before, according to new data from Spirits Europe.
With spirits exports exceeding imports into the European Union (EU), the sector “effectively generated next to €9 billion in net value”, the spirits representative body said.
Whisky exports were valued the highest at €4.51 billion, followed by cognac (€3.2 billion), liqueurs (€1.05 billion), vodka (€884 million), gin (€404 million) and rum (€130 million).
Spirits Europe director general Ulrich Adam said: “Today’s results show just how much European spirit drinks are appreciated around the world. Wherever local economies grow and markets open, we see a rising demand for our whiskies, vodkas, cognacs or gins.
“As a true champion of free and fair trade, we very much value the [European] Commission’s efforts to negotiate tariff removal and the elimination of non-tariff barriers.
“This helps European spirits companies, large and small, to be commercially successful abroad and raise awareness and appreciation of their brands. The benefits are manifold and substantial – and go well beyond our sector, including our suppliers, distributors, and customers around the globe.
“Yet we cannot take any of this for granted. During the last months and days, the trade narrative has become increasingly difficult, with fresh challenges emerging. Now, more than ever, is the moment to trust the value of rules-based trade relationships and the mutual benefits they create for those who engage in them.
“The success of Europe’s spirits sector shows that trade works. We therefore need an assertive, positive EU trade agenda that accelerates new trade negotiations with additional countries.”
The top ten export markets for European spirits were the US (up 2% on the year before), Singapore (+6%), China (+29%), Russia (+37%), Canada (+5%), United Arab Emirates (-5%), Australia (+4%), Japan (+6%), Taiwan (-9%) and South Africa (+9%).
Spirits Europe director of trade and economic affairs Marie Audren said: “We also see a need for faster and more robust enforcement of rules already negotiated at WTO-level or in free trade agreements. We therefore call on EU decision-makers to reallocate staff resources towards the trade agenda within the Commission.”
“Moreover, Brexit has opened up a new complexity for the European spirit sector. We have shared links and interests with the UK, both human and corporate. The clock is still ticking, and we count on progress to be made at the next [European] Council meeting on 28-29 June to preserve the prosperous trade flows and business links that unite the EU27 and the UK.”
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