Craft beer production in the US declined in 2024, though its market share by volume remained “essentially flat”, according to data from the Brewers Association.
The trade group, which represents small and independent brewers in the US, reported craft beer output dropped to 23.1 million barrels last year, 4% lower than 2023.
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Despite the volume decline, craft beer maintained a 13.3% share of the overall beer market, the same level as in 2023, the Brewers Association said.
The broader US beer market also contracted, with total volumes down 1.2% in 2024.
According to Brewers Association staff economist Matt Gacioch, craft beer is a “mature market”, which means “not every year is going to be defined by substantial growth”.
He added: “While progress may not come in additional production volume, it can still come in honing operations, business practices, and world-class beer.”
Last week, US President Donald Trump authorised a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs for more than 75 countries – excluding China – while maintaining a baseline 10% tariff on all US imports.
“Small brewers are already grappling with rising ingredient costs, shifting consumer preferences, and increased competition in a saturated market,” Gacioch warned.
“Tariffs on imported brewing equipment, steel kegs, aluminium cans, and key ingredients such as hops and malt only exacerbate these financial pressures.”
“These added costs can be particularly challenging for small and independent breweries, which often operate on tight profit margins. As a result, many are forced to delay expansion plans, raise prices, or absorb losses – further compounding the headwinds already challenging the craft beer industry.”
The retail dollar value of craft beer increased by 3% to an estimated $28.9bn, accounting for 24.7% of the total beer market in retail dollar sales.
In 2024, there were 9,612 operating US craft breweries, including 1,934 microbreweries, 3,389 brewpubs, 3,695 taproom breweries, and 266 regional craft breweries.
Brewers Association said the number of staff employed in the US craft brewing sector rose 3% to 197,112 in 2024, driven by a shift towards hospitality-focused models such as taprooms and brewpubs.
The total number of US breweries fell to 9,680 from 9,747 in 2023, with 434 openings and 501 closures.
Brewers Association said that marked the first decline in the number of operating craft breweries since 2005.
Although openings declined for the fourth consecutive year, “reflecting a maturing and highly competitive industry”, the closure rate remained relatively low at around 5%, the trade body added.
