Good morning,

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

Here are a few key findings:

• Spending on imported beer increased by an estimated 10.6% during October 2019.  This increase is driven primarily by volume growth due to changing demographics and consumer preferences.  Secondarily, the increase in spending is also due to retail pricing increases driven by rising costs.
• The volume of beer imported into the U.S. increased by 9.1% during October.
• Imported beer volume is now up 2.2% year-to-date through October 2019.
• Thus far in 2019, all of the net growth in imported beer has come from aluminum cans.  Beer imported in both glass bottles and in kegs has declined year-to-date.
• Mexican imports continued to outpace imports from other countries, growing 14.3% - more than 5% above the segment average growth rate.
• The volume of beer imported from the Netherlands declined by 12% in October and is now down 7.5% year-to-date.
• October import volumes bring total U.S. beer supply to down 1.1% year-to-date.  Imports continue to outpace domestic beer sales, which are currently down 1.8% through October.

If you have any questions, please reach out.

Cheers,

Michael Uhrich
Chief Economist