"We are determined to open up new markets around the world for the very best whisky our distillers have to offer — and to drive down any tariffs they face. By strengthening ties with key partners, identifying new markets and tackling tariffs, the UK Government is paving the way towards an even brighter future for Scotland’s whisky industry," Mundell said in a statement, as quoted by the Sky News broadcaster.
UK Trade Secretary Liam Fox noted that overseas export costs reduction could contribute to increasing sales.
According to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) annual report, issued in May, Scotch whiskey sector, bringing some 5 billion pounds ($6.5 billion) to the UK economy and providing 40,000 people with jobs is one of the crucial manufacturing sectors for the United Kingdom.
Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union officially kicked off on June 19, and are due to be completed by March 30, 2019. The 12-point Brexit plan, announced in mid-January, stipulates that that the United Kingdom will be able to sign trade agreements with any states and blocs. In late June, London said it planned to boost trade relations with 48 non-EU countries after leaving the bloc.
