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# U.S. Beer Production Dips Another 2.8%
- URL: https://bevnews.net/u-s-beer-production-dips-another-2-8/
- Published: 2026-09-04T03:34:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-04T03:34:49.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker
- Tags: Beer Shipments

**Beer Institute** estimates that the volume of beer produced in the U.S. in July that was subject to excise tax was 12 million barrels, down 2.8% from a year earlier. The year-to-date decline is down 5.2%

Andrew Heritage, the Beer Institute's chief economist notes that tTotal industry supply decreased **4.9%** in July. The industry trend year-to-date through July **4.8%**.

Beer Institute’s depletions through July were significantly stronger at **3.2%** YTD, suggesting that shipments volume year-over-year comparisons are slightly off due to front-loaded import shipments in July 2025, he said. This will balance out in the next report after August year-over-year comparisons are lapped.

**In July 2026**, imported beer volumes into the U.S. decreased **11.5%** year-over-year according to the Department of Commerce. The year-to-date trend now stands at -**3.4%.**

Beer imports from Mexico in July decreased **9.1%** year-over-year for the month. The year-to-date trend for imported beer from Mexico is **1.7%.**

**"**As the unofficial end of summer comes this weekend with Labor Day, many industry analysts are reflecting on this year’s summer-selling season. Beer Institute depletions show the split between on- and off- premise sales widening throughout the summer with strong on-premise sales," Heritage says.

**Occasions still driving sales:** On-premise depletions through July were down **0.4%** with strong weeks in World Cup markets and nationwide as Americans celebrated July 4 with extra fanfare for America 250 celebrations.

The relative strength of the on-premise highlights how beer remains relevant to celebrations. Despite changes in overall consumer spending and consumption, people continue to make beer their top choice for gatherings and socialization, Heritage says.