Expansion in global beer exports sees a rise in sales for the world's leading exporter.
Dominating the Brew: Mexico's Beer Export Boom
Mexico's dominance in the global beer market is on the rise, thanks to an impressive increase in exports, particularly in 2025.
According to UN Comtrade data, Mexico is the world's biggest beer exporter, with the commodity "Malt beer" under its belt. In 2023, the country raked in approximately $5.82 billion from beer exports, and 2024 saw sales soaring to $6.50 billion.
Last year, Mexico shipped beer to a variety of destinations, including:
- The United States (its main market);
- Dominican Republic;
- Panama;
- Guatemala;
- Honduras;
- Spain,
...with additional exports to Colombia, Peru, Canada, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Japan, and other countries.
So far in 2025, there's been a growth in export volumes in terms of value, with preliminary data indicating a 2-3% increase in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2024.
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Let's take a closer look at the factors driving Mexico's beer export surge, and the effects on the global market.
Boom Town: Trends in 2025 vs 2024
- In 2023, Mexico exported roughly 4 billion liters of beer, with the volume holding steady compared to 2022 but showing resilience after a peak of 4.6 billion liters in 2020 [6].
- The export value for Mexican beer reached $5.8 billion in 2023, claiming 33.8% of the global beer export market, making Mexico the worldwide leader [1][6].
- Export values grew at an average annual rate of about 9.6% from 2020 to 2023, with a significant jump of 11% specifically in exports to the United States (where the majority of Mexican beer is sold) [6].
- Although the final 2025 figures aren't yet official, the continuing trend of growth is expected, thanks to steady export volumes and increasing prices per liter (which rose by 5.3% in 2023) [6].
Behind the Scenes: Boosting Beer Exports
- U.S. Market Dominance: The United States remains the largest importer of Mexican beer, accounting for over 82% of U.S. beer imports, with Mexico being its primary supplier [4][6].
- Price Hikes: The average export price of Mexican beer climbed by 5.3% in 2023, boosting overall export value despite relatively stable volumes [6].
- Trade Ties & Taxes: Although tariffs and excise tax adjustments have affected the alcohol trade in certain regions, Mexico stays competitive in the U.S. and other international markets due to established supply chains, brand recognition, and favorable trading relationships [4].
- High-Quality Libations & Global Appeal: Mexican beer brands have a solid global reputation for quality and have managed to establish a foothold in markets beyond the U.S., fueling export growth.
A Global Impact
- Mexico’s 33.8% share of the global beer export market in 2023 showcases its dominance in the international beer trade [1].
- This dominance affects pricing and competition, especially in major importing countries such as the U.S. and parts of Latin America [1][4].
- Mexico's export success places pressure on other traditional exporters like Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany, who hold smaller shares compared to Mexico [1].
- Moreover, Mexico's export success drives trends toward lager-style and light beers globally, shaping consumer preferences worldwide [1].
In a nutshell, Mexico's beer export surge in 2025 compared to 2024 is characterized by stable volumes around 4 billion liters, rising export prices, and strong demand primarily from the U.S. market. Contributing factors include established trade dominance, brand strength, and favorable pricing dynamics, significantly influencing the global beer market and consumer preferences internationally [1][4][6].
- Mexico aims to maintain its dominance in the global beer market, targeting an expansion of its beer exports to the Dominican Republic in 2023 and beyond.
- As the finance industry closely monitors this increasing business, the beer industry in Mexico expects to secure substantial exports, with malt beer remaining a significant commodity.
- In the foreseeable future, international finance and trade relations will be influenced by the continued growth of Mexico's beer exports, potentially impacting the global beer market's balance.
- With an estimated 2-3% increase in export volumes and values in 2025, Mexico's beer industry expects to remain competitive, continuing to drive trends in the beverage industry worldwide.
