Whisky Bulletin Global Johnnie Walker Red Price Index
Whisky enjoys widespread global appeal, yet its accessibility and price remain heavily influenced by a country’s tariff and duty regime. These government-imposed levies—intended to generate revenue or protect domestic markets—significantly affect the retail price of imported spirits. This article provides an overview of whisky import tariffs and excise duties in the world’s ten largest economies, with the addition of key whisky hubs: Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Australia.
The Impact of Tariffs and Duties on Whisky Trade
International whisky pricing is influenced by production costs, logistics, and government-imposed tariffs and duties. These financial obligations, often levied for health or protectionist reasons, affect market pricing and consumer behavior. Understanding these charges across countries is essential for producers, importers, collectors, and connoisseurs.
Whisky Import Tariffs in the Top 10 Global Economies
| Country | Import Tariff | Excise Duty / Taxes | VAT / Other Taxes | Source |
| United States | 10% | USD $13.50 per proof gallon (~$2.14 per 750ml at 40%) | — | U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) |
| China | 5% | Consumption Tax: 10% | VAT: 13% | China Ministry of Finance, WTO Tariff Schedules |
| Germany | 0% (intra-EU), 5–10% (extra-EU) | €1,303.00/hl of pure alcohol | VAT: 19% | European Commission (TARIC), German Customs |
| Japan | 0% | Liquor Tax: ¥370/litre | Consumption Tax: 10% | Japan Ministry of Finance |
| India | 150% | State-Level Taxes: Varies by region | — | Directorate General of Foreign Trade (India), WTO Tariff Data |
| United Kingdom | 0% (for many FTA partners) | £31.64/litre of pure alcohol | VAT: 20% | UK HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) |
| France | 0% (intra-EU) | €1,737.00/hl of pure alcohol | VAT: 20% | French Customs (Douane.gouv.fr) |
| Brazil | 20% | IPI (Excise Tax): 30% | ICMS (State Tax): 25–30% | Receita Federal do Brasil, WTO Tariff Schedule |
| Italy | 0% (intra-EU) | €1,303.00/hl of pure alcohol | VAT: 22% | Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, European Commission |
| Canada | 0% | CAD $12.61/litre of absolute alcohol | Provincial Markups: Vary by province | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), provincial liquor boards |
Whisky Tariffs in Key Regional Hubs
Singapore
- Import Tariff: 0%
- Excise Duty: SGD $88/litre of alcohol
- GST: 9%
- Source: Singapore Customs
Dubai (UAE)
- Import Tariff: 50%
- Excise Tax: 50%
- VAT: 5%
- Source: UAE Federal Tax Authority, Dubai Customs
Thailand
- Import Tariff: 60%
- Excise Tax: Varies (approx. 40–50%)
- VAT: 7%
- Source: Thai Excise Department, Customs Department Thailand
Hong Kong
- Import Tariff: 0%
- Excise Duty: 0%
- VAT/GST: 0%
- Source: Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department
Australia
- Import Tariff: 0%
- Excise Duty: AUD $101.85/litre of alcohol
- GST: 10%
- Source: Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Border Force
Estimated Retail Price of Johnnie Walker Red Label (750ml) by Country
| Country | Estimated Retail Price (USD) | Source |
| United States | ~$18.65 | Total Wine |
| China | ~$20.00 | JD.com |
| Germany | ~$22.00 | Amazon.de |
| Japan | ~$19.50 | Rakuten |
| India | ~$40.00+ | Flipkart |
| United Kingdom | ~$23.00 | Amazon UK |
| France | ~$23.00 | Carrefour |
| Brazil | ~$28.00 | Mercado Livre |
| Italy | ~$22.50 | Amazon.it |
| Canada | ~$24.00 | LCBO |
| Singapore | ~$33.00 | Amazon.sg |
| Dubai (UAE) | ~$34.00 | African + Eastern |
| Thailand | ~$35.00 | Big C |
| Hong Kong | ~$15.00 | HKTVmall |
| Australia | ~$26.00 | Dan Murphy’s |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on local taxes, import duties, and retailer pricing.
Conclusion: The True Cost of a Global Dram
The global whisky landscape is shaped not only by craftsmanship and heritage but also by a patchwork of tariffs, duties, and taxes. From the zero-duty paradise of Hong Kong to the heavily taxed markets of India and Australia, pricing disparities reflect policy as much as product.
For consumers, this means the cost of a dram is not solely determined by its distillery of origin but also by where it is poured. For producers and investors, these structures impact distribution, strategy, and demand. As whisky continues its rise on the global stage, understanding tariff frameworks will remain crucial in navigating its complex international journey.
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