USA: Imported beer is expected by USDA to amount to US$3.5 billion in 2006

Imported malt beer is expected by USDA to amount to US$3.5 billion in 2006 compared to November forecast of $3.3 billion. These new forecasts are based on early indications of import growth and on historical seasonal patterns.

In 2005 fiscal year imported malt beer amounted US$ 2.99 billion. During October-December 2005 malt beer imports amounted US$ 0.744 billion compared to US$ 0.641 billion in October-December 2004.

Beer imports are sensitive to weather changes, USDA commented. At a time when large U.S. brewers have sought to counteract the slide in domestic beer sales by cutting prices, younger consumers and aging baby boomers continue to increase purchases of premium-priced beer, wine, and spirits.

USDA said that fiscal 2006 agricultural imports are raised to a record $63.5 billion, up 10 percent from last year, continuing the accelerated pace which began in 2003. Strong demand for fresh fruits and vegetables, sugar, cocoa, coffee, beer, and wine drive imports. Steady gains for many other products are also expected. The EU-25, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Brazil remain the top suppliers.

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