Beer Imports Fall 13.6%, Led by Mexican Declines

Imported beer volume for September 2023 in the amount of 3,155,973 barrels, down 13.6% compared to September 2022 imported volume. Canada (+23.6%) and Ireland (+5.1%) were two of the few countries experience growth compared to September of last year.

Mexican imports declined by 12.8% (just over 380,000 barrels) for the month of September. This is the second month in a row of declines for the segment. However, year-to-date trends remain positive, up 0.7% compared to the same months in 2022.

"With inventory challenges expected to improve in the near future, we would expect to see improved trends for the final months of 2023," said This is the second month in a row of declines for the segment.

• However, year-to-date trends remain positive, up 0.7% compared to the same months in 2022.
• With inventory challenges expected to improve in the near future, we would expect to see improved trends for the final months of 2023, said Danielle Kosmal, vp-research, Beer Institute..

Non-alcoholic imported beer continues to experience double-digit growth, up 13.6% for the month of September and up 23.2% YTD.

Turning to domestic volume, Beer Institute estimates volume at 13.2 million barrels in September, down 7.4% from a year earlier. Year-to-date shows a decline of 6.5% or 8 million barrels from a year earlier.

"The beer industry is not alone in facing headwinds during this time period, with consumer confidence levels dropping from earlier in the summer and consumers across income groups pulling back on spending,"Kosmal said.