A record amount of Irish whiskey was sold in 2024 at 16.15m cases, according to new figures from the Irish Whiskey Association.

The Irish Whiskey Global trade report shows that the top five international markets for Irish whiskey last year were the US, Poland, Germany, India and the UK.

The domestic market recorded 707,000 case sales last year, making Ireland the fourth-largest market overall for this premium Irish spirit. A case of Irish whiskey contains 9l, generally 12 bottles (75cl).

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The US remains the biggest market for Irish whiskey, with over 5.47m cases recorded in this market in 2024 – representing one of every three bottles of Irish whiskey sold in the world.

The US is the most valuable market for spirits in the world, although EU spirits exports (including Irish whiskey) now attract a 15% import tariff.

The Irish Whiskey Association said the full impact of these tariffs on Irish whiskey in its biggest export market is not yet known.

Launching the report, the association reiterated its call to prioritise a return to the zero-for-zero trading arrangement with the US.

Other markets

The report also highlighted that Irish whiskey is growing rapidly in other markets. Significant growth is evident in key emerging markets such as Japan and India, up 124% and 120% respectively over the past three years.

Irish whiskey also enjoyed increased success throughout the EU. Of the top 20 markets for Irish whiskey sales, 10 are EU member states.

Director of the Irish Whiskey Association Eoin Ó Catháin said looking towards next year, the importance of the EU-US trading relationship and market diversification are notable.

“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.

“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,” he said.

Ó Catháin added that the association’s priorities for 2026 will include advocating for the finalisation and swift implementation of relevant trade agreements, including an EU-India free trade agreement.

“Considering that India is the world’s biggest whiskey market, [it] represents a significant growth opportunity for Irish whiskey,” he stated.