Alcoholic beer market in Bolivia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the Bolivian alcoholic beer market showed moderate growth, reaching 422 million liters. However, in 2020, market volume plunged to 330 million liters due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the economy and threatened over 70,000 jobs in the brewing sector. Recovery began in 2021 as the market expanded to 385 million liters, partly fueled by a rise in beer imports, particularly from Brazil, which increased supply and consumption.

Structural shifts occurred in the following years. Updates to the specific consumption tax (ICE) rates for alcoholic beverages in 2022 likely influenced consumer prices, while the growth of illicit trade, estimated at 20% of the total market, posed challenges. Simultaneously, the craft segment continued to expand, with around 80 new craft breweries emerging by 2020, introducing innovative flavors and attracting consumers. In 2023, the opening of a new $20 million brewery in Warnes with state-of-the-art machinery boosted production capacity, contributing to the market's recovery to 384 million liters.

Throughout the period, the market was dominated by Cervecería Boliviana Nacional (CBN), holding an 87% share. CBN invested heavily in digitizing traditional trade and responsible consumption campaigns, while imported beer gained ground, with imports exceeding $48 million in 2023. These factors, combined with persistent municipal regulations on alcohol sales and consumption, shaped the market's evolution.

Production alcoholic beer in Bolivia

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Bolivia's alcoholic beer production experienced a two-year period of growth before declining. In 2020, production reached 306.9 million liters, marking a significant 24.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the 2017-2020 period overall, production fell by 19.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The peak production occurred in 2019 at 405.6 million liters, while the largest annual increase was recorded in 2018 at 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bolivia in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Exports alcoholic beer from Bolivia

Exports in kind, K l

The market displayed notable volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bolivia exported 167 thousand liters of alcoholic beer, representing a dramatic 72.3% decline from the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 604 thousand liters, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 246.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bolivia in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Chile remained the primary destination for Bolivia's alcoholic beer exports, accounting for 75.6% of total export volumes. Other trading partners held relatively modest shares during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bolivia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior showed considerable volatility during these years. Export values varied significantly, reaching their lowest point in 2018 and peaking in 2019, with a six-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bolivia's alcoholic beer exports totaled 336 thousand US dollars, down 71.3% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 195 thousand US dollars, while the maximum occurred in 2019 at 1 169 thousand US dollars. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 498.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bolivia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Chile consistently represented 81.2% of Bolivia's total alcoholic beer export value, indicating strong market concentration. The remaining exports were distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bolivia in value, 2017-2020

Imports alcoholic beer to Bolivia

Imports in kind, K l

Bolivia imported 23 465 thousand liters of alcoholic beer in 2020, representing a substantial 38.8% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 37.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 908 thousand liters, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bolivia in kind, 2017-2020, K l

During the 2017-2020 period, Brazil dominated Bolivia's alcoholic beer imports in volume terms, accounting for 76.6% of total imports. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bolivia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Bolivia imported 15 117 thousand US dollars worth of alcoholic beer in 2020, marking a 28.4% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 35.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.6%. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bolivia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil and Mexico were the principal sources of Bolivia's alcoholic beer imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 87.1% of total import value. Other trading partners each held significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bolivia in value, 2017-2020