Finance
China agrees to halve tariffs on UK whisky after Xi-Starmer talks
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 29, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary
China will halve tariffs on UK whisky to 5% after Xi-Starmer talks, expected to boost UK exports by 250 million pounds over five years.
China to Cut Tariffs on UK Whisky Following Xi-Starmer Discussions
Impact of Tariff Reduction on UK Whisky
LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - China will reduce its tariffs on Scotch whisky to 5% from 10% following talks between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a spokesperson for the British premier said on Thursday.
Financial Implications for Exporters
The reduction is expected to be worth 250 million pounds ($345.35 million) over five years for UK whisky exporters, the spokesperson added.
Political Context of the Agreement
($1 = 0.7239 pounds)
(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill in Beijing and Muvija M in London, Editing by Kate Holton)
Key Takeaways
- •China will reduce tariffs on UK whisky from 10% to 5%.
- •The tariff cut follows talks between Xi Jinping and Keir Starmer.
- •Expected to boost UK whisky exports by 250 million pounds over five years.
- •The agreement highlights growing UK-China trade relations.
- •Financial benefits anticipated for UK whisky exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions about China agrees to halve tariffs on UK whisky after Xi-Starmer talks
1What is the impact of tariff reduction?
Tariff reduction can lower the cost of imported goods, making them more competitive in the domestic market, which can boost trade and economic growth.
2What are financial implications for exporters?
Financial implications for exporters include potential increases in revenue and market access due to reduced tariffs, which can enhance profitability.
3What is the UK economy?
The UK economy is the economic system of the United Kingdom, characterized by a mix of private and public enterprises, and influenced by various factors including trade policies.
