Alcoholic beer market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The Chinese alcoholic beer market saw its total volume decline from 38 444 million liters in 2018 to 34 309 million liters in 2020. This sharp contraction was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption to production and consumption, following an earlier dampening effect from a national alcohol ban in 2019 which shifted some demand to alternative beverages.

A recovery to 36 208 million liters by 2023 was propelled by the industry's strategic shift towards premiumization and the explosive growth of the craft beer segment. Major brewers like Qingdao and China Resources expanded their high-end portfolios with new products, while consumer preference for diverse styles such as sour ales and IPAs fueled volume growth in the craft category, offsetting the broader market's earlier losses.

This expansion was underpinned by significant capacity investments, including the launch of new million-hectoliter production bases by leading companies. Market competition intensified in the premium segment, with brands increasingly adopting digital marketing and live-streaming sales channels to engage consumers.

Production alcoholic beer in China

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

China was among the world's leading producers of alcoholic beer from 2017 to 2020, ranking first globally by production volume.

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

China's alcoholic beer production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 34 111 million liters of alcoholic beer, marking a moderate contraction of 9.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 22.5%, which equates to an annualized rate of 8.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's alcoholic beer production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output of alcoholic beer was valued at 21 403 million US dollars in China, representing a 7.0% year-on-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 22%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 8.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alcoholic beer from China

Exports in kind, M l

After a two-year increase, alcoholic beer exports from China declined. In 2020, China exported 386.7 million liters of alcoholic beer, indicating a gradual drop of 7.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.0%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 417.6 million liters, with the largest increase occurring in 2019 at 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, the role of Asia (not elsewhere specified), Myanmar, and South Korea as buyers of alcoholic beer from China was notable but not dominant. Asia accounted for 19.4% of exports in kind, Myanmar for 16.6%, and South Korea for 13.9%, with their combined share reaching only 49.8% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year advance, alcoholic beer exports from China declined. In 2020, exports totaled 242.7 million US dollars, representing a controlled decline of 5.0% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 255.3 million US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of alcoholic beer from China were characterized by a broad spread across markets. Asia (not elsewhere specified) accounted for 20.0% of exports in value terms, South Korea for 15.5%, and Myanmar for 13.9%, together representing only 49.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to China

Imports in kind, M l

China's volume of alcoholic beer imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 584.2 million liters, marking a loss of 20.2% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 18.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.8%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 821.1 million liters, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets—Germany, Mexico, and South Korea—remained central to imports in kind, together accounting for 57.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

China's alcoholic beer imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 695.0 million US dollars, amounting to a robust reduction of 15.2% compared with 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 7.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 904.3 million US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 20.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Mexico, and Belgium formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 22.1% of imports in value terms, Mexico for 18.9%, and Belgium for 11.5%, with a combined share of 52.6% of total flows.

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

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