Export Development Program News - May 2025

Export Survey Results

Thank you to all Export Development Program (EDP) members who completed the export survey. Your input is essential for our United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reporting, which helps determine future grant funding. We also use this data to showcase the impact of EDP programs, track craft beer export trends, and identify opportunities in emerging markets.

In 2024, total U.S. craft beer exports reached $47 million, representing a nearly 15% decline compared to the 2023 total of $55 million. The EDP attributes much of this decrease to persistent global economic pressures. While inflation has begun to ease in many regions, the lasting impact of several years of elevated prices has weakened consumer purchasing power across key international markets. Shipping remains expensive, as are ingredients, making U.S. craft beer more expensive to produce in the first place.

2024 American Craft Beer Market Share of Exports infographic

Additionally, U.S. craft brewers continue to face growing competition from a diverse range of beverage categories, including ready-to-drink cocktails, highballs, and other alternative alcohol beverages. The global trend toward moderation and reduced alcohol consumption has also affected overall volume. However, this shift may present new opportunities for craft brewers, as consumers who drink less frequently are placing greater value on premium, high-quality products—an area where U.S. craft beer continues to stand out.

Among the top ten markets for U.S. craft beer exports were Canada, China (Mainland), the United Kingdom (U.K.), the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, South Korea, Ireland, Mexico, and Italy. Canada remained the largest export market by value at $15.15 million. Several markets showed notable growth, highlighting strong potential for future development. The broader Asia-Pacific region, which includes China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, experienced a 23% year-over-year increase in export value, making it the strongest performing region in 2024. China saw an 18% increase in U.S. craft beer imports, while Japan reported a 13% rise. Additionally, Mexico posted a 22% increase, signaling strong momentum. These positive results in key markets demonstrate the resilience of U.S. craft beer exports and offer a promising outlook for future growth.

While the total export value declined in 2024, the easing of inflation, combined with strong performance in the Asia-Pacific region and Mexico, highlights promising opportunities for the future of U.S. craft beer exports. As inflation slows and consumer spending begins to stabilize, U.S. craft beer producers are well-positioned to capitalize on growing demand across its slate of export markets.

EDP Returns to Italy’s Beer & Food Attraction

From February 16 to 18, 2025, your EDP staff and ten member breweries comprised the trade mission delegation to the tenth edition of Beer & Food Attraction (BFA) in Rimini, Italy. The event was very well attended with 600 exhibitors across 12 pavilions and nearly 44,000 visitors, a 5% increase on last year’s figure. BFA hosted 130 buyers from 47 countries, and visitors from 82 countries. Given the diverse range of buyers and exhibitors, the event not only reaffirms its status as a leading European gathering for the beverage alcohol industry, but a top destination for U.S. craft brewery exporters.

The U.S. delegation featured 16 breweries pouring 48 different American craft beers, with ten brewers traveling from the United States using EDP stipends. The Brewers Association (BA) booth benefited from a prime location on the show floor, leading to consistent and high traffic throughout the three-day event. The booth gave European importers and industry professionals excellent opportunities to explore a diverse range of American craft beers and engage in meaningful conversations with delegation members. For the EDP, and especially the breweries present at the event, it was a valuable chance to connect with a broad network of European importers all in one centralized setting.

Amplifying the exposure for traveling breweries, the EDP organized U.S. Craft Beer Seminar, which featured representatives from each member of the delegation. The seminar attracted a full room of media professionals and industry experts who were eager to learn about the latest trends in U.S. craft. The panel highlighted the unique attributes of U.S. craft brews, and the session was well received, generating several media articles and sparking increased interest in expanding craft beer offerings.

Another popular feature at the booth was a beer and cheese pairing session organized by the BA. This activity attracted steady foot traffic and offered an engaging way to introduce U.S. craft beer to attendees through a familiar and approachable format. Supplies ran out quickly, though the EDP will look to expand this program next year, hoping to match the strong European appetite for excellent beer and cheese!

Taken together, the event’s international reach and central location offered U.S. craft brewers valuable exposure and firsthand insight into the evolving European market. Both U.S. brewery representatives and European importers shared enthusiastic feedback, noting the high quality of conversations and the strong potential for new business. With meaningful engagement, a steady flow of industry professionals, and growing interest in American craft beer, the 2025 Beer & Food Attraction reinforced the region’s importance as a dynamic growth market and underscored the event’s ongoing value in expanding U.S. craft beer’s global footprint.

The EDP Hits the Road: Japan & United Kingdom Road Shows

In March, the EDP hosted two road shows, one in Japan from March 13 to March 20 and another in the United Kingdom from March 26 to March 30. These events offered U.S. craft breweries an excellent opportunity to build brand awareness, connect with key trade partners, and introduce their products to a broader audience. Though relatively new, road shows are becoming a core function of the Export Development Program, providing tangible avenues for generating new business and strengthening relationships in international markets. Critically, these events attract bar owners, restaurant operators, and trade professionals, giving them firsthand experience with the strong sales potential of U.S. craft beer brands.

The Japan road show featured GOAL Brewing and Marlowe Artisan Ales. The delegation made its first stops with tastings at Two Fingers Craftbeer and Beer Shoku in Tokyo, where local trade partners and consumers expressed strong interest in American IPA styles and dessert stouts. On March 16, they traveled to Nagoya for an event at Endoji Brewing, gaining insights into local flavor preferences and pricing expectations. On March 18, they showcased their beers at Beer Club Popeye in Tokyo, leading to discussions on flavor trends and import potential. The road show concluded on March 19 at Taproom Oam in Kobe, where the breweries received positive feedback on their hop-forward beers. These tastings helped build brand awareness, strengthen trade relationships, and stimulate demand across Japan.

The U.K. roadshow took place from March 26 to March 30, 2025, with brewery representatives from four U.S. breweries. The delegation began in London, visiting several trade accounts and hosting tap takeovers and meet-the-brewer events. Notably, Allagash White was served on draught for the first time in the U.K. at a successful event at Ghost Whale in Putney. Across the city, a concurrent tap takeover event featured two of our four breweries pouring at legendary craft beer pub, The Rake. On March 28, the group met informally with the U.S. Embassy, sharing insights on the U.S. craft beer market, discussing trade opportunities, and exploring ways to increase interest in American craft beer. The delegation then traveled to Manchester, where they visited Café Beermoth and experienced a traditional pub setting at the Peveril of the Peak. The roadshow concluded with a tap takeover and meet-the-brewer event at Café Beermoth, drawing a full crowd of craft beer enthusiasts. These events provided valuable opportunities for the U.S. brewers to connect with trade partners and consumers, generating strong interest and reinforcing the appeal and sales viability of American craft beer in the U.K. market.

U.K. roadshow participants in front of beer coolers

Stay tuned for upcoming road show announcements—this is an event format we’ll continue to offer as part of our ongoing commitment to expanding U.S. craft beer in international markets.

Korea International Beer Expo

The Korea International Beer Expo (KIBEX), held from April 10 to 12, 2025, in Seoul, served as a key opportunity for American craft brewers to reengage the South Korean market. Operated in collaboration with the Agricultural Trade Office (ATO), the BA booth featured 16 U.S. breweries pouring 55 different beers. Seven brewery representatives traveled to Seoul to participate in the event, which drew strong attendance from both trade professionals and consumers throughout the three-day show.

During the event, the U.S. booth featured designated pouring stations for traveling brewery representatives, allowing them to introduce their beers and engage directly with importers, retailers, and media. The first day of the show was reserved for trade visitors, creating a focused environment for professional networking and distributor outreach. The second and third days welcomed both trade and consumers, generating steady interest in the range of American craft beer styles on display. Throughout, the EDP facilitated meetings between participating breweries and the importers who shared the booth space. Both groups remarked positively on the number of promising interactions and the likelihood for new business.

craft beer ambassadors posing in Korea with cans

Ahead of the show, the EDP partnered with ATO Seoul and its local team to deliver a well-rounded market tour, offering participants a valuable look into the current craft beer landscape in South Korea. The day began with informative presentations at the ATO office, providing insights into market trends and consumer behavior. This was followed by visits to key retail and on-premise locations, including a self-pour taproom, a specialty alcohol retailer, and a wine shop that prominently features U.S. craft beer.

Adding to the slate of activities outside of the show, the EDP organized a media dinner, where American craft beers were thoughtfully paired with traditional Korean dishes. Each delegation member presented one of their beers, highlighting stories about their breweries or what makes them love craft beer. The event created a memorable platform to engage with local media and highlight the quality and versatility of U.S. offerings. Coverage of the pairing event and the pairing dinner is beginning to roll in, further elevating awareness of American craft beer in Korea. Here are a few highlights:

Despite ongoing challenges in the Korean market, including high import costs, growing competition, and evolving consumer preferences, the response to American craft beer at KIBEX was overwhelmingly positive. Importers showed strong interest in the participating breweries, and many attending members without existing distribution reported high potential for in market representation. The show provided excellent visibility for U.S. craft beer, opened the door to promising new relationships, and offered firsthand insight into a dynamic and fast-evolving market.

Untappd Reports Available

EDP members can now access a range of international market reports in the EDP Member Resources area, offering timely insights into key export markets for American craft beer. These reports are a valuable part of your membership, helping you stay informed and better positioned for global opportunities.

CBC Trade Delegation Takes Over Indy

The EDP recently wrapped another highly successful trade delegation visit to the Craft Brewers Conference® (CBC) in Indianapolis, with 16 importers attending from nine countries. Though the trip to Indianapolis included the rare opportunity to kick a field goal on a professional football field, the real highlight was the sheer number of strong meetings. EDP members packed their schedules with importers from all over the world, accomplishing more export-focused meetings in a week than might be possible with a year’s worth of travel. Though finding the right match can be tough, importers and members alike reported promising conversations and strong potential for new business.

Outside of brewery meetings, the EDP team hosted three export-focused seminars and sat down with many of the attending importers to discuss the status of their markets, challenges, opportunities, and the potential for new and impactful programming. CBC Indy also offered a first introduction for many to the Export Development Program’s new Craft Beer Ambassadors, Fradbelin Escarraman of Strategos Consulting and Christopher Roberts and Oliver Woods of Beer Asia. These new ambassadors will expand a presence for U.S. craft beer in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Be on the lookout for new programming coming your way in each of these markets as the EDP seeks to develop dependable new destinations for U.S. craft exports.

With another CBC in the books, don’t worry if you missed interacting with attending importers; the EDP will be hosting another dynamic importer delegation at the Great American Beer Festival® in October. We look forward to seeing you there!

The EDP Highlights Key Points with USDA

Lotte Peplow, the BA’s American Craft Beer Ambassador to Europe, recently had the opportunity to meet with newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. Lotte highlighted the success and growth of American craft beer exports in Europe, and spoke about the BA’s efforts in the region, including successful trade missions and showcase events in the U.K.

She shared the impressive journey of U.S. craft beer, which has grown from $3 million in exports in 2005 to over $46 million in 2024. Today, more than 100 small and independent U.S. breweries are reaching consumers in over 45 countries, with USDA grants playing a key role in helping them break into international markets.

A key focus of the conversation was the importance of bringing U.S. brewers to these international markets. In a relationship-driven industry like craft beer, face-to-face interactions provide critical insights into how local markets operate and open doors to new business opportunities. The EDP was proud to showcase the strong work of U.S. craft brewers and highlight the importance of USDA market development funding.

American Brewers Take Top Honors Down Under at 2025 AIBA

Australia’s largest international beer competition, the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), was held this May. The 2025 competition, run by Melbourne Royal, attracted nearly 2,300 entries from 391 breweries from 22 countries. They were judged by 82 beer experts from around the globe. Among the 14 gold, 29 silver, and 56 bronze medals awarded to U.S. brewers, several standout honors were achieved. Diatribe Brewing Company earned the Best Amber/Dark Lager Major Trophy for its Schwarzbier, as well as the prestigious Gary Sheppard Memorial Trophy for Best New Exhibitor. Meanwhile, 48th State Brewing was awarded the Champion Medium International Brewery Trophy. Competitions like this provide excellent opportunities for brewers to showcase their beers while elevating the image of U.S. craft beer internationally.

See this year’s winners.

2025 Event Calendar

With a variety of exciting events lined up for the rest of 2025, we encourage you to stay tuned for more details. These upcoming opportunities will help you promote U.S. craft beer globally and expand your reach through expos, festivals, and delegations. We look forward to your participation!