Initial Impacts of Tariffs Show Significant Impact on Imports in November 2019

But, first, some highlights from the tariffs imposed on October 13, 2019:

  • The primary beverage alcohol imports impacted by the tariffs are French, German and Spanish Wines less than 14% ABV in 2L or smaller containers, Irish or Scotch Single Malt (or straight) Whisky, and German, Spanish, UK Cordials and Liqueurs.
  • Collectively the imports of these products were down -10% in volume and -30% in value in November 2019 versus November 2018.
  • French wines and UK Whisky account for roughly 75% of the Value of these imports.
  • French Wines were down -18% by volume and -42% by value in November 2019 versus November 2018.
  • UK Whiskies were down -9% in volume and -36% in value in November 2019 versus November 2018.
  • Given the timing of orders and shipments it is likely that there were orders in suppliers systems that were not possible to change and were impacted by the tariffs in November 2019.
  • Average case prices for French wines and UK whisky both declined significantly, roughly -30% – implying either some price decreases were implemented to reduce the cost of the tariffs or mix was significantly impacted.

And now, the regular longer-term updates.

Beer, Spirits, & Wine – Packaged Imports Grow +7.40% By Value Over Last Twelve Months through November 2019, Packaged Exports Decline -7.20%

Total Beverage Alcohol:

  • Total beverage alcohol imports (including bulk and packaged) grew +7.90% by value over the last twelve months and grew +8.70% by value over the last three months. 26.3% of all imported beverage alcohol by value came from Mexico over the last twelve months.
  • Total beverage alcohol exports (included bulk and packaged) declined -10.0% by value over the last twelve months and declined -2.20% by value over the last three months. 20.7% of all exported beverage alcohol by value went to Canada over the last twelve months.

Each of the bw166 Import and Export Reports (for BeerSpirits, and Wine) enable tracking Beverage Alcohol imports and exports on a monthly basis for volume, value in USD, and value in local currency for all major trading countries.

Beer:

  • Imported beer grew +2.40% by volume and grew +5.40% by value over the last twelve months. Over the last three months imports grew +7.20% by volume and grew +11.5% by value. 70.8% of imported beer by value comes from Mexico.
  • Exported beer declined -20.5% by volume and grew +17.8% by value over the last twelve months. Over the last three months exports grew +3.70% by volume and grew +48.0% by value. 21.2% of exported beer by value goes to Chile.

For more details regarding imported and exported beer across all countries, subscribe to the bw166 Beer – Imports and Exports report.

Spirits:

  • Imported packaged spirits for the last twelve months grew +9.20% by volume and grew +13.0% by value. Over the last three months volumes grew +10.0% and grew +7.80% by value.
  • Imported bulk spirits for the last twelve months grew +4.90% by volume and grew +20.5% by value. Over the last three months volumes grew +9.00% and grew +43.6% by value.
  • 29.6% of all imported packaged spirits by value arrived from France while 53.2% of all imported bulk spirits by value arrived from Brazil.
  • Exported packaged spirits for the last twelve months declined -34.1% by volume and declined -15.1% by value. Over the last three months volumes declined -45.5% and declined -1.60% by value.
  • Exported bulk spirits for the last twelve months declined -7.80% by volume and declined -13.9% by value. Over the last three months volumes declined -27.3% and declined -15.1% by value.
  • 13.5% of all exported packaged spirits by value is destined for Canada while 22.0% of all exported bulk spirits by value is destined for Canada.

For more details regarding imported and exported spirits including detailed category breakdowns across all countries, subscribe to the bw166 Spirits – Imports and Exports report.

Wine:

  • Imported packaged wine for the last twelve months grew +4.40% by volume and grew +2.30% by value. Over the last three months volumes grew +5.70% and grew +1.60% by value.
  • Imported bulk wine for the last twelve months grew +11.8% by volume and declined -6.60% by value. Over the last three months volumes grew +18.5% and grew +3.70% by value.
  • 34.2% of all imported packaged wine by value arrived from France while 26.8% of all imported bulk wine by value arrived from Chile.
  • Exported packaged wine for the last twelve months declined -7.20% by volume and declined -9.30% by value. Over the last three months volumes declined -3.00% and grew +3.60% by value.
  • Exported bulk wine for the last twelve months grew +2.40% by volume and declined -3.00% by value. Over the last three months volumes grew +4.10% and grew +10.9% by value.
  • 36.1% of all exported packaged wine by value is destined for Canada while 53.9% of all exported bulk wine by value is destined for United Kingdom.

For more details regarding imported and exported wine including detailed category breakdowns across all countries, subscribe to the bw166 Wine – Imports and Exports report.