Market Chatter: Pernod Ricard, Diageo Reportedly Face 150% Tariff in India on Bulk Scotch Import

MT Newswires · 2d ago
02:46 AM EST, 11/11/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Indian customs authorities are reportedly seeking a 150% import duty on bulk Scotch whisky shipments imported by Pernod Ricard (RI.PA) and Diageo (DGE.L), disputing the companies' eligibility for reduced tariffs under the India-UK trade pact. Reuters reported Wednesday, citing four unnamed sources and a confidential government memo, that the customs investigators claim that bulk Scotch concentrates used in whisky production do not qualify for the agreement's reduced 75% duty, which is only for finished products. Pernod Ricard and Diageo did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)