Whisky exporters in Scotland have been vocally opposed to the independence movement.
“Internationally, as an export oriented sector, we rely on effective support from government in our overseas markets, whether in influencing EU negotiations or pressing other governments to allow fairer market access. Both the UK and Scottish governments have supported us and there will be risks if this support is not maintained,” said David Frost, the chief executive of the Scottish Whisky Association, which represents an industry that provides 35,000 jobs to Scotland’s economy.
He goes on to voice concerns about losing access to the 27-country EU economy and the country’s number one export market: the rest of the UK. His concerns, at least about export markets, have some credence.
Scottish exports volumes to the rest of the UK are more than double those to any other market in the world but it would benefit nobody for England, say, to affix a duty on imports from Scotland. Prices of Scotch whisky would be higher for English consumers. This would be a hugely unpopular move on both sides of the border.