Irish whiskey is adapting its measure to challenging times

Exports face US tariff challenges despite global growth, while the domestic drinks industry sees a shift towards moderation.

Irish whiskey exports were 5% lower in 2025 at €930m. Exports to Canada grew by around 25%.

These are challenging times for Irish whiskey exports – but with some better news on the home front. 

While Bord Bia’s recent Performance and Prospects report showed that 2025 was another exceptional year with the export value of Irish drinks exceeding €2bn for the second year running, the introduction of a 15% tariff on exports to the USA - its biggest market - remains a challenge for the sector.