Europe is selling less beer to third countries

In 2025, exports of alcoholic beer outside the European Union totalled 2.2 billion litres. Compared with the figures for 2024, shipments of the European beverage to external markets fell by 11 per cent. The publication of these statistics traditionally coincides with International Beer Day, which is celebrated on the first Friday in August.

Against the backdrop of a decline in overall foreign trade volumes, the balance of power amongst producer countries within the European Union remains stable. In particular, the Netherlands is one of the main suppliers, ranking second with exports of 1.4 billion litres, only slightly behind Belgium with 1.5 billion litres. They are followed by Germany, which exported 1.3 billion litres of beer.

France became the largest importer of beer in 2025, importing 0.9 billion litres of the drink. Italy came second, with 0.7 billion litres. In addition, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands were among the major importers of beer, with the Netherlands’ average import volume standing at 0.3 billion litres.