Alcoholic beer market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The Latin American alcoholic beer market stood at 34 209 million litres in 2018, supported by a strong production base in Brazil with numerous breweries and a regional preference for light beer. Market volume rose to 36 160 million litres in 2019, driven by increased consumption at social events, changing consumer lifestyles, and broader trends of urbanization and rising disposable incomes in key markets such as Brazil. A contraction to 35 079 million litres followed in 2020.

Recovery began in 2021, lifting the market to 37 277 million litres, aided by the growing popularity of recyclable beer cans for outdoor consumption and pioneering aluminum can recycling initiatives in Argentina. Growth continued moderately to 37 709 million litres in 2022, partly due to intense competition and low prices among major players in Guatemala, alongside strengthening demand for light beer aligned with health and wellness trends. The market reached 38 127 million litres in 2023, fueled by the expansion of craft breweries and bars, as well as the rising popularity of premium and craft beers, particularly in Mexico.

Production alcoholic beer in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, alcoholic beer production in Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a decline. In 2020, the region produced 39 049 million liters of alcoholic beer, representing a modest decrease of 2.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 11.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.7%. The peak production level was recorded in 2019 at 39 963 million liters, while the most significant annual increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, M l

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of expansion, the value of alcoholic beer production in Latin America and the Caribbean contracted. In 2020, the output was valued at 38 592 million US dollars, reflecting a measured decline of 4.8% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 12.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.9%. The highest value was achieved in 2019 at 40 559 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase also occurring in 2019 at 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alcoholic beer from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, M l

In 2020, alcoholic beer export volumes from Latin America and the Caribbean reached 4 716 million liters, showing minimal change compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 18.7%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 5.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 717 million liters, while the most substantial annual increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 14.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary destination for alcoholic beer exports from Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 83.0% of total export volumes. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, alcoholic beer exports from Latin America and the Caribbean declined. In 2020, the region exported 4 661 million US dollars worth of alcoholic beer, representing a 2.6% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 19.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 4 788 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 14.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States was the main buyer of alcoholic beer from Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 84.3% of total export value. Other trading partners held relatively modest shares in comparison.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports alcoholic beer to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, M l

Alcoholic beer imports into Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 746 million liters of alcoholic beer, marking an 18.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 17.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 6.1%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2018 at 987 million liters, with the largest annual increase also occurring in 2018 at 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Analysis of import volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across multiple markets. The United States accounted for 26.2% of imports, the Netherlands for 8.0%, and Germany for 4.1%. Together, these three markets represented 38.3% of total import volumes, while the remaining 61.7% was distributed among various other partners.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Alcoholic beer imports into Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 838 million US dollars, down by 24.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 21.6%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 7.8%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 1 165 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase also occurring in 2018 at 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, alcoholic beer import values to Latin America and the Caribbean showed moderate concentration. The United States accounted for 30.2% of import value, the Netherlands for 9.9%, and Germany for 3.9%. Collectively, these three markets represented 43.9% of total import value, with the remaining share distributed among other trading partners.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020