Dublin: The Irish Whiskey Association has welcomed the conclusion of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a significant opportunity for the sector and for communities linked to Irish whiskey production and trade.
Under the agreement, India’s current 150% tariff on Irish whiskey will be gradually reduced to 40% over the next seven years. The association said the deal would have positive effects across supply chains, from Mumbai to Midleton and from Delhi to Dingle.
India is one of the fastest-growing markets for Irish whiskey. Sales exceeded 700,000 cases in 2024, representing year-on-year growth of 57.5% and an increase of more than 900% since 2020. This expansion was achieved despite the existing high tariff, and the association said the reduction could help sales surpass one million cases as early as this year.
The agreement comes at a critical time for the industry, as Irish whiskey and other EU agri-food exports now face a 15% tariff in the United States, Ireland’s largest export market, marking a significant change after more than three decades of tariff-free trade. In this context, the association said the EU–India deal takes on added importance.
The association noted that India is the world’s fourth-largest economy, the most populous country, and the largest whisky market globally. It also confirmed that discussions are ongoing to secure Geographical Indication (GI) status in India for Irish whiskey, Irish cream and Irish poitín, aimed at protecting product integrity and tackling imitation brands.
Irish Whiskey Association Director Eoin O’Catháin said the agreement represents a strong vote of confidence in the EU’s trade agenda and in the quality and premium positioning of Irish agri-food exports.
The association also pointed to the growing popularity of international spirits among India’s expanding middle class, driven by a trend towards premiumisation, as consumers increasingly opt for higher-quality products. It expressed confidence that producers across the island of Ireland will benefit from both the EU–India agreement and the UK–India Free Trade Agreement.
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