5: Exports and Imports

Some 70% of UK produced gin and 15% of vodka is exported to over 180 countries. Exports grew impressively to the rest of the world up to mid-1990s. From 1995 to 2000, exports of UK-produced gin and vodka to the EU increased by over 40%. However, since then, the volumes and value have levelled off, in part due to exchange rates and to companies opening up vodka production elsewhere due to lower costs. In contradiction to this, there has been a large increase in imports of gin & vodka. In sum, the trade balance is now less in our favour for the first time.