Irish whiskey sales hit record 16.15m cases in 2024 as industry eyes tariff challenges
Irish whiskey sales reached a new global high in 2024, with 16.15 million cases sold worldwide, according to the Irish Whiskey Association’s newly published Global Trade Report.
The figures mark the strongest year on record for the category and highlight both the resilience of the sector and the challenges ahead.
The report shows that the USA, Poland, Germany, India and the United Kingdom were the top five export destinations for Irish whiskey last year.
Ireland itself ranked as the fourth-largest market overall, with domestic sales amounting to 707,000 cases.
The United States remains the dominant market, accounting for more than 5.47 million cases in 2024—equivalent to one in every three bottles sold globally.
However, the Association warns that the introduction of a 15% import tariff on EU spirits, including Irish whiskey, is creating uncertainty in what is not only the category’s largest export destination but also the world’s most valuable spirits market.
The full impact of the tariff has yet to be felt, the industry body says.
Against this backdrop, the Association has renewed its call for a return to a zero-for-zero trading arrangement between the EU and the US.
Beyond the US, Irish whiskey is seeing rapid expansion in emerging markets. Japan and India have recorded exceptional three-year growth rates of 124% and 120% respectively.
Within the EU, the category is also performing strongly: 10 of the top 20 markets for Irish whiskey are EU member states.
Looking to the year ahead, the Association emphasised the need to strengthen EU-US trade relations while continuing to diversify into high-potential markets.
Director Eoin Ó Catháin said: “Our sector, like many others, has weathered a turbulent trading period this year, but we hope that calmer waters are on the horizon.
“The numbers from 2024 are promising for our sector with the biggest sales volume ever, and our market position in new and emerging markets is getting stronger.
“Despite challenges, there is still significant opportunity for the Irish whiskey category to grow, given it only accounts for 12% of the global whiskey market.
Irish Whiskey Association Director Eoin Ó Catháin
“Key to ensuring the category’s continued success and growth trajectory is an urgent focus on trade relations with the US and the opening up of new markets through the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.
“The Association’s priorities for 2026 will therefore include advocating for the finalisation and swift implementation of relevant trade agreements, including an EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), considering that India is the world’s biggest whiskey market and represents a significant growth opportunity for Irish Whiskey.”
