The United States has increased its imports of tequila, kaoliang and other distilled agave beverages, according to data from the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
From January to August, Mexico was positioned as the largest exporter of these beverages to the United States, with shipments reaching 3.501 billion dollars. This value represents an 11.8% increase over the previous year.
As for the main countries exporting distilled agave beverages to the United States during the first eight months of 2024, the amounts in millions of dollars were as follows:
- Mexico: 3,501
- United Kingdom: 984
- France: 549
- Canada: 407
- Netherlands: 212
Tequila imports
Although the frequency of alcohol consumption has declined, interest in combining hard liquors, such as tequila or kaoliang, with soda and oak flavors has grown, according to the USDA. Kaoliang, a Chinese hard liquor made from sorghum, is famous for its high alcohol content. This liquor is often consumed neat or in cocktails.
Tequila, from the Tequila region of Jalisco, is made by fermenting and distilling the juice of the blue agave. U.S. imports of distilled spirits, such as tequila and kaoliang, have been increasing. In addition, mid- to low-priced whiskey has attracted increased interest among consumers seeking alcoholic beverages.
Ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages are especially popular among women in their 20s and 30s. This trend has boosted sales in convenience stores. In turn, the fashion for cocktails using distilled spirits and carbonated beverages has driven demand for products such as oak-aged soju, which is perceived as a premium liquor.
Main companies in the sector
Some of the prominent companies in this market include:
- Beam Suntory Inc.
- Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc.
- Brown-Forman Corporation
- Castle Brands Inc.
- Jim Beam Brands Co.
- Buffalo Trace Distillery Inc.
- MGP Ingredients Inc.
- Sazerac North America Inc.
- Beam Global Spirits & Wine LLC
- Serrallés Distillery Inc.
Total U.S. imports of distilled agave beverages totaled $6.574 billion between January and August 2024, up 6.3% from a year earlier.
Imports from China were more modest, reaching only US$36 million. However, their growth was remarkable, up 145.8% in the same period. In 2022, these imports from China were US$23 million, while in 2023 they increased to US$49.4 million.