European Union beer trade trends show declining exports and rising imports

According to Eurostat research, the European Union exported 3.2 billion liters of alcoholic beer to non-EU countries in 2025, representing an 11% decrease compared to 2024. Conversely, beer imports to the EU rose by 6%, totaling 0.5 billion liters.

Within the EU, Belgium led as the top exporter with 1.5 billion liters, followed by the Netherlands with 1.4 billion liters and Germany with 1.3 billion liters. Czechia and Ireland both exported 0.6 billion liters. On the import side, France was the largest consumer with 0.9 billion liters, followed by Italy with over 0.7 billion liters.

In Greece, beer exports reached approximately 45 million liters in 2025, while imports totaled nearly 33 million liters. This trend continues a two-year period of trade surplus for the Greek sector. Market observers note a recovery in the Greek beer market, with breweries increasingly focusing on non-alcoholic varieties to meet changing consumer habits and stricter driving regulations.