Finance
China to lower tariffs on whisky imports in boost to trade with UK
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 30, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 30, 2026
Quick Summary
China will lower whisky import tariffs to 5% from February 2, potentially boosting the whisky trade. The Customs Tariff Commission announced the change.
China Cuts Whisky Import Tariffs to Boost UK Trade Relations
Impact of Tariff Reduction on UK Whisky Industry
BEIJING, Jan 30 (Reuters) - China will lower tariffs on whisky imports to 5% from 10%, in a boost to Britain's whisky industry after the two countries' leaders met this week to repair fraught ties.
The lowering of tariff rate will take effect on February 2, according to a statement by China's State Council.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office, which announced the deal on Thursday, said it would be worth £250 million ($344.13 million) to UK exporters over the next five years.
Details of the Tariff Change
Scotch whisky tariffs were among the items discussed by Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in Beijing, where the two pledged greater cooperation in trade, investment and technology.
Historical Context of Whisky Tariffs
China imported $445.5 million worth of whisky in 2025, of which 84% was from the UK, according to customs data and Reuters calculations.
Beijing had in 2017 set a 5% provisional tariff rate on whisky imports, but removed the provision for 2025, in effect hiking the rate to 10%.
($1 = 0.7265 pounds)
(Reporting by Ethan Wang, Yukun Zhang and Ryan Woo; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, William Maclean)
Key Takeaways
- •China reduces whisky import tariffs from 10% to 5%.
- •Tariff change effective from February 2.
- •Potential boost for whisky trade in China.
- •Announcement made by the Customs Tariff Commission.
- •Impact on global whisky market anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions about China to lower tariffs on whisky imports in boost to trade with UK
1What is whisky?
Whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Various grains are used, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat, and it is aged in wooden casks.
2What is the significance of lowering tariffs?
Lowering tariffs can stimulate trade by making imported goods cheaper, which can benefit consumers and businesses. It can also enhance international relations and economic cooperation.
3What is the impact of tariffs on the economy?
Tariffs can affect the economy by influencing the prices of goods, impacting trade balances, and affecting domestic production. They can protect local industries but may also lead to higher prices for consumers.
