Big export numbers again according to the Brewers Association who are telling us that American craft beer export sales grew to an impressive $125 million in 2017. But in spite of that growth, export momentum is undoubtably slowing.

Supported by the BA’s Export Development Program, craft beer export volume increased by 3.6% in 2017, now totaling 482,309 barrels and valued at $125.4 million.

American craft beer is clearly still thriving abroad and with last year’s export growth numbers declining slightly from 2016’s 4.4%, overall sales figures remained strong.

Some Highlights

While American exports to Western Europe have slowed somewhat from their 2015 highs, it was exports to Asia that showed the most momentum last year.

The Asia-Pacific region grew by 7.4 % in 2017 (down from 2016’s 12.9%). Japan where exports grew an astounding 22.6% in 2016, showed a much smaller increase of 2.6% last year.

Canada was once again the leading international market for American craft beer, accounting for 51.3% of total exports.

Other leading importers were United Kingdom at 10.5 %, followed by Sweden grew by 6.7%, Korea by 4.6% percent; Australia at 3.8% and China, with 2.5% of exports.

Bottom Line

Undoubtedly American craft beer has established itself as an economic force in the global arena – but export momentum while still growing is undoubtedly slowing.

Inspired by the America craft beer movement, brewers all over the globe have begun building their own brands and that growth and success is clearly impacting 2017’s export numbers.

Craft beer localism will grow its appeal, (just as it has here in the states), and will eventually cut into some of the export exuberance that we are enjoying right now.