Browse Data and Analysis

The Philippine excise tax for alcohol products increased by six percent on January 1, 2025, and will continue to increase at a fixed rate of six percent annually, as stipulated in the law, which does not include a sunset provision.

In celebration of 200 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the United States, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil launched the “Bicentennial Beer”.

Colombia is the largest South American market for U.S. agricultural products and the seventh-largest market for U.S. food and beverage exports globally. Since the U.S. – Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) was implemented in 2012, U.S. agricultural exports have grown by more than 235 percent to a record $3.7 billion in 2023.

The United States is among the top five suppliers of distilled spirits to the Philippines, supplying mostly whiskey. Philippine importation of U.S. distilled spirits in 2021 dropped to $4.6 million, 42 percent lower than the pre-pandemic level.

For the past two decades, the United States has been the leading supplier of wines to the Philippines. In 2021, U.S. wine exports to the Philippines soared to a record $20 million (3.8 million liters at an average cost of $5.20 per liter) as consumers temporarily traded up to more expensive wines during the coronavirus lockdown.

Prospects for U.S. brewing ingredients remain strong amidst a robust local beer manufacturing industry. Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the Philippines, accounting for 72 percent of total alcohol consumption or 2.1 billion liters annually. Export prospects in the region are especially strong because of the country’s membership in various free trade agreements and its strategic location.

Chile remains the largest South American consumer-oriented market for U.S. exporters. Increasing wealth, lower barriers to entry, and the modern Chilean economy present opportunities for increased agricultural trade as COVID-19 restrictions and social-political tensions ease.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic hurt foodservice channels, beer consumption in the country grew steadily last year. Brazilians shifted from consuming beer away-from-home to at-home during the pandemic months. In addition,

Republic Act No. 11467 increased the excise tax imposed on alcohol products effective on January 1, 2020.

Despite Brazil’s recent economic crises, plenty of new craft beer breweries opened in the last decade, offering alternatives to the mass-produced brands.

The Brazilian economy continues to grow at a modest pace.

U.S. exporters often reach out to our office with questions about market access and Brazil’s import regulations, finding legislation confusing and not transparent.