Alcoholic beer market in Eastern Asia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The alcoholic beer market in Eastern Asia was shaped by large corporations like OB Beer and Hite Jinro in 2018, while the craft beer segment began its growth, broadening consumer choice. Market value increased in 2019 despite a slight volume dip, as major brands reinforced premium and light beer lines, exemplified by Hite Jinro's launch of the 'Kelly' brand. This trend was abruptly interrupted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures caused a sharp contraction in both market volume and value by reducing out-of-home consumption.

The market recovery from 2021 onward was propelled by the expansion of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol product portfolios from major brewers and a growing number of craft breweries, which reached about 150. A pivotal shift occurred in 2022 with regulatory changes: non-alcoholic beer (under 1% alcohol) gained legal access to restaurant distribution, and the introduction of a volume-based liquor tax stimulated price competition and product diversification. These developments, alongside the strengthening cultural appeal of craft beer in the premium segment and the expansion of online sales channels, supported continued market growth in value through 2023, even as major players faced sales stagnation.

Production alcoholic beer in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Alcoholic beer production in Eastern Asia has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 38 164 million liters, which represents a 9.6% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 22.1%, with an average annual decline of 8.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of alcoholic beer output in Eastern Asia was 28 224 million US dollars, showing a significant decline of 14.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 29.3%, translating to an annualized rate of 10.9%. The largest drop occurred in 2018 at 25.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 10.9%.

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

Exports alcoholic beer from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, M l

Alcoholic beer exports from Eastern Asia have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 540 million liters, marking a 19.0% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 9.5%, with an average annual reduction of 3.3%. The peak was in 2018 at 797 million liters, which also saw the largest increase of 33.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, alcoholic beer from Eastern Asia was exported to a wide range of markets. Asia, not elsewhere specified (13.8% of exports in volume), Myanmar (9.4%), and the United Arab Emirates (4.0%) together accounted for just 27.2% of total exports, with the remaining 72.8% distributed among numerous smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Alcoholic beer exports from Eastern Asia have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 399 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial drop of 23.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 17.8%, with an average annual decline of 6.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 557 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 14.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, the value of alcoholic beer exports from Eastern Asia was relatively evenly distributed. Asia, not elsewhere specified (13.3% of export value), Myanmar (6.9%), and Australia (4.6%) together made up only 24.9% of total exports.

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

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

Imports alcoholic beer to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, M l

Alcoholic beer imports into Eastern Asia have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 013 million liters, indicating a moderate decline of 6.5% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 4.5%, with an average annual decrease of 1.5%. The maximum volume was in 2018 at 1 162 million liters, which saw the largest increase of 9.5%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, alcoholic beer imports into Eastern Asia in volume terms were spread across many markets. Germany (19.9% of import volume), Mexico (9.8%), and Belgium (8.1%) together accounted for only 37.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Alcoholic beer imports into Eastern Asia have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value totaled 1 119 million US dollars, showing a solid reduction of 14.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.9%. The peak value was in 2018 at 1 422 million US dollars, which also recorded the largest increase of 16.5%.

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

The partner structure for imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Germany (16.1% of import value), Mexico (13.0%), and Belgium (10.6%) together accounted for only 39.8% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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