A recent report from USDA’s Economic Research Service highlighted imported beer from Mexico as one of several rising U.S. agricultural imports from Latin America and the Caribbean.
The world’s largest beer exporter, Mexico is also the main source for U.S. imported beer. From 2007-2009 to 2019-2021, the annual average of imports from Mexico doubled from 1.6 billion to 3.2 billion liters.
U.S. imports of Mexican beer have grown in tandem with U.S. exports of malt barley to Mexico. According to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, malt barley exports to Mexico were nearly 400,000 metric tons in 2021— up 85% from 2011.
About 80% of U.S. barley is grown in Idaho, Montana and North Dakota in areas less suitable for corn and soybeans. Most barley is malted before it is shipped by truck and rail to breweries, including those in Mexico. Most Mexico-manufactured beer is shipped by rail into the U.S., and a smaller share is shipped by truck and ocean vessel.
Information provided by USDA's Grain Transportation Report, 9/14/2023
