Good afternoon,

Linked below is the Import-Export Report for August 2019.

Here are a few key findings:

• Consumer spending on imported beer decreased by an estimated 1.7% during August 2019.
• The volume of beer imported into the U.S. decreased by 8% during August, the first month of import volume declines in six months.
• Imported beer volume is now up 1.4% year-to-date through August 2019.
• From among the top five source countries for imported beer, only Belgian imports grew in August.  The remaining four, including Mexico, Netherlands, Canada, and Ireland, each declined in volume.
• August import volumes bring total U.S. beer supply to down 1.8% year-to-date.  Imports continue to outpace domestic beer sales, which are currently down 2.5% through August.
• The volume of beer exported from the U.S. declined at double digit rates for the ninth consecutive month in August.  The majority of the loss in volume is from beer exported to Mexico.  While Mexican demand for American beer brands remains, a large percentage of these brands’ production has been moved to Mexico, where it is being produced locally rather than being imported from the U.S.

If you have any questions, please reach out.

Cheers,

Michael Uhrich
Chief Economist