US craft beer exports up 16% in 2015

Export volumes now total 446,151 barrels and are worth $116m.

Canada is the leading international market for American craft beer, accounting for 51% of exports. Sweden, Ireland and the UK each account for around 10% of exports. The next biggest export destination is Australia, with a share of around 4% of exports.

Exports to Western Europe increased 33.4% in 2015. Ireland, Thailand, the Netherlands and Taiwan were the fastest growing markets.

The rise in exports shows a growing thirst for US craft beer from drinkers in other countries, says The Brewers Association, a trade group representing the sector. Its Export Development Program has been running since 2004, educating international trade about the offer from the US craft beer industry, as well as identifying opportunities for US brewers in key international markets.

The Brewers Association also recently reported a 13% rise​​ in total US craft beer volumes.