Beer and brewing products market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the U.S. beer and brewing products market experienced a steady contraction in physical volume, with market size declining from 114.8 million tons to 91.2 million tons. Production volumes fell from 122.8 million tons to 98.3 million tons over the same period. In value terms, the market demonstrated greater resilience, reaching a peak of $33.5 billion in 2021.

From 2022 onward, the market's downward volume trend continued, with market size dropping to 76.3 million tons and production to 82.8 million tons in 2022, influenced by shifting consumer preferences and a 4% decline in craft brewer volume sales. The subsequent period was characterized by structural adaptation, including an increase in the number of active craft breweries and significant product innovation, such as the U.S. launch of Heineken® Silver, a low-carb, low-calorie beer. Mergers and acquisitions, like Tilray's acquisition of eight craft brands and Kirin Holdings' purchases of New Belgium and Bell’s, signaled market consolidation. Concurrently, growing health consciousness among consumers fueled demand for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer segments, while technological advancements and a focus on environmental sustainability began influencing industry operations.

Production beer and brewing products in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Beer and brewing products production in the United States declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 103.2 million tonnes, marking a modest 7.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 24.3%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The United States' beer and brewing products production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 27 124 million US dollars, down by 9.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 8.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 30 834 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beer and brewing products from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, beer and brewing products exports from the United States totaled 11 362 thousand tonnes, showing little change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 3.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 11 353 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 12 522 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.3%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 6.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, South Korea, and Vietnam were significant buyers of beer and brewing products from the United States, accounting for 18.3%, 10.2%, and 8.6% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 37.1% of total exports, with the remaining 62.9% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of beer and brewing products from the United States declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 985 million US dollars, down by 2.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 16.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 143 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 23.1%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.1%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the geographical structure of exports in value terms was highly diversified. Mexico, South Korea, and Canada accounted for 17.2%, 9.5%, and 7.4% of exports in value, respectively, but together they comprised only 34.1% of total flows. The remaining 65.9% was distributed among many smaller partner countries.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports beer and brewing products to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, beer and brewing products imports into the United States totaled 4 592 thousand tonnes, remaining nearly unchanged from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 5.7%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017-2020, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Canada were the top sources for imports in kind, accounting for 64.9%, 11.8%, and 9.4% of total flows, respectively. Together, they comprised 86.2% of all imports.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of beer and brewing products into the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 6 115 million US dollars, corresponding to a slight year-over-year increase of 2.6%. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 13.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.2%.

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

In 2017-2020, Mexico and the Netherlands played the leading roles in imports in value terms, with a combined share of 81.1% of total flows. The remaining share was dispersed among other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020