Imports to the United States declined 43.5% for May 2020 compared to May 2019 and are down 13.5% year-to-date, Beer Institute said after analyzing Commerce Department data.
Imports from Mexico declined 49.1% during this period and are down 14.6% year-to-date. The decline in Mexican imports is due to the Mexican government making it more difficult for Mexican breweries to brew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning June 1, most breweries in Mexico were back in operation.
Imports from the Netherlands declined by 16.6% for May 2020 versus May 2019 and are now flat year-to-date, BI said.
Non-alcohol (NA) imports increased by 111.8% in May 2020 versus May 2019. NA imports from the Netherlands are up 120.6% year-to-date over 2019. NA imports from Canada are likewise up 2,044.3% year-to-date.