Irish whiskey exports to Europe continue to rise amid US tariff troubles

Spirits including Five Farms Irish Cream, Powers Irish Whiskey, Clonakilty Irish Whiskey, and Dingle Irish Whiskey on display at a showcase to mark Ireland's EU presidency. A record 16.46m cases of Irish whiskey were sold globally in 2025.

Irish whiskey exports to the European Union have risen by 21.5% over the last four years, with according to the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA).

According to the IWA, Irish whiskey has continued to perform strongly in traditional markets like Germany and Poland but has seen export volumes rise in new markets. Greece and Italy have risen 88% and 68% respectively over the last four years, while export value to Bulgaria is up 54% over the same period. 

The rise in European volumes comes as Irish whiskey exports to the US have faced tough market conditions. The US remains the biggest market for Irish spirits but Irish whiskey faces a 10% tariff entering the US.  In 2025, The Irish whiskey market saw a 5% decline in export value to €930m, according to a Bord Bia report, with exports to the US also seeing a 5% decline year-on-year as the country imposed tariffs on imports.

A record 16.46m cases of Irish whiskey were sold globally in 2025. Irish whiskey’s largest export markets in Europe are Germany, Poland, and France, with these three countries accounting for a combined export value of €97.2m.

“We are seeing a shift in how European consumers engage with premium spirits. To maintain this momentum, a supportive policy environment is absolutely crucial. We encourage our governments and representatives in the European Union to continue their efforts to harmonise and strengthen the single market," said IWA director Eoin Ó Catháin. "This support at home at this critical juncture will give our producers the confidence and backing to continue expanding our global footprint.”

The ISW held a showcase of Irish spirits in Galway to mark the Irish presidency of the European Council. Industry representatives were joined by EU dignitaries to sample Irish spirits, including Clonakilty Irish Whiskey, Dingle Irish Whiskey, Power's Irish Whiskey, and West Cork's Five Farms Irish Cream. Over the course of Ireland's presidency of the EU, the association is calling for the promotion and protection of Ireland’s three European spirits Geographical Indications (GIs): Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, and Irish Poitín. Irish Cream exports to France have grown year on year by 32%, and to Germany by 19%.

"This protected status is vital, ensuring that the production of these spirits remains authentically Irish, which in turn helps safeguard local jobs and drives continued investment across the island. For global consumers, this recognition guarantees confidence in their provenance and quality," an IWA statement said.