Described by PM Sir Keir Starmer as “the jewel in Scotland’s crown”, Scotch Whisky exports to China were valued at just over £235 million in 2023, according to the SWA, making China the tenth-largest market in the world.

Charandeep Singh BEM, incoming Chief Executive of SCC, said: “China is the world’s largest export market and one of the fastest‑evolving consumer and industrial economies. In 2024, China bought £32 billion worth of UK goods and services – just 3.6% of out total exports. That suggests there is massive untapped potential here, and we should be working with partners in China to drive that figure upwards.

“This week’s negotiations are just the beginning, and SCC will continue working with government and economic partners to deliver on our international trade goals. It’s a pragmatic approach that will strengthen our supply chains, diversify export routes, and build resilience in a more complex and increasingly challenging global market.

“For Scotland, expanding trade with China means accessing unparalleled scale, new sectors of opportunity. In particular, Chinese demand for high-quality imports, such as premium food and drink, continues to climb. Reducing whisky duty will allow us to leverage this demand to our advantage, making Scottish distillers more competitive in this market. There is much more work to be done, but this sends a positive signal that the UK government is championing one of Scotland’s flagship industries overseas.”

Mr Singh added: “The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has been at the forefront of driving stronger economic relations with China, working on the ground to deliver results.

“In 2017, SCC led a trade mission to Beijing and Shandong Province, signing a breakthrough Memorandum of Understanding and opening new routes into the market for sectors such as food and drink, tourism, oil and gas services, biosciences, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence.

“SCC was delighted to welcome a Chinese delegation to Scotland just last year, demonstrating the strength of our reciprocal ties and indicating a positive foundation for future exchange. Looking ahead, SCC has trade missions planned to Beijing and Shanghai in 2026, setting Scotland on a positive course to deepen economic ties and stimulate growth.”