India-UK trade deal: Scotch whisky prices to drop by 9-10%
Big news for whisky fans—thanks to a new UK-India trade deal expected to come into force around the middle of 2026, Scotch is about to get significantly more affordable in India.
India, already the world's largest whisky market, could see some serious changes at the bar and in stores.
What's changing for your wallet (and the market)
SWA expects a 9-10% reduction in scotch prices once the deal is in force, with even bigger savings likely on premium bottles.
The UK government expects this move could boost their exports to India by nearly 60%, and Scotch alone might bring in an extra £1 billion over five years.
Not everyone's raising a glass
India's local spirits industry is worried about cheaper imports flooding the market and wants safeguards against low-quality products.
Plus, because each Indian state has its own taxes and rules, actual prices may still vary depending on where you live.
Indian producers who blend with bulk Scotch will probably save money too—but how much of that gets passed on remains to be seen.