New Aluminium Tariffs Intensify Cost Pressures on US Breweries
US breweries sourcing cans need heightened vigilance following an expansion of Section 232 tariffs by the US Department of Commerce, now including can ends and lids vital for beer packaging. This policy move, justified on national security grounds regarding aluminium and steel imports, significantly impacts packaging costs and supply chain complexities for brewers nationwide. The Brewers Association (BA) has alerted its members to these changes and encourages breweries to communicate their challenges to help shape ongoing advocacy efforts. BA technical brewing projects director Chuck Skypeck emphasized the need for breweries to review procurement strategies and engage suppliers as uncertainties around tariff rates and licensing procedures evolve. The BA remains attentive to the needs of small and independent brewers, advocating for fair trade policies to minimize burdens (The Drinks Business, 2025).
AB InBev Commits $15 Million Investment to US Brewery Amid Sales Declines
Maintaining focus on the US market, AB InBev announced a strategic $15 million investment targeting its St Louis brewery to enhance supply chain infrastructure and create jobs. This move aligns with the broader $300 million domestic investment initiative supporting President Trump’s “Made in America” campaign. Despite experiencing sales volume declines—1.9% overall in Q2 2025, including a 9% fall in Brazil and 7.4% in China—AB InBev aims to increase availability of flagship brands like Budweiser and Bud Light across the US. The investment also reflects wider industry efforts to mitigate tariffs by strengthening local production capacities (The Drinks Business, 2025; Reuters, 2025).
US Craft Beer Market Shows Resilience Amid Declining Brewery Numbers
According to midyear 2025 data from the Brewers Association and NielsenIQ, the US craft beer sector faces volume declines mirroring the broader beer category, with a 4.1% drop in off-premise sales and a 5% production decrease year-over-year. The total number of craft breweries decreased by 1%, driven mainly by a 3% fall in microbreweries. Nevertheless, nearly half of craft brewers report production growth, especially the smallest producers with hyperlocal taproom and brewpub models showing some resilience. Though closures are challenging the industry, craft beer remains popular with 9.8% of adults having recently consumed craft beer, up from 6.6% in 2013, albeit with reduced drinking frequency due to economic pressures (Craft Brewing Business, 2025).
Craft Beer Market Growth Driven by Brewpub Expansion and Health Trends
Global craft beer market forecasts remain optimistic, with the IMARC Group projecting a market value of $329.7 billion by 2033 at an 8.74% CAGR. Growth is fueled by increasing microbreweries and brewpubs, which foster innovative brewing and consumer engagement. Moreover, rising health consciousness propels demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic craft beers, attracting new consumers seeking flavor without compromising wellness. These trends complement the market’s evolution towards more diverse and health-aligned beer offerings (IMARC Group, 2024).
Scientific Insights into Beer Foam Stability Highlight Cultural Beer Traditions
In brewing science, a recent seven-year ETH Zurich study led by Professor Jan Vermant elucidated the factors behind the long-lasting foam characteristic of Belgian triple-fermented beers. The research reveals triple fermentation processes result in significantly more stable foam compared to double or single fermentation techniques typical in lagers. This discovery enriches understanding of beer quality and may influence brewing practices to optimize consumer sensory experiences (Physics of Fluids, 2025).