Beer Institute’s February 2025 taxable removals estimate: down nearly 15% from last year

The Beer Institute recently published its unofficial estimate of domestic taxable removals for February 2025, reporting that U.S. beer brewers shipped approximately 10,300,000 bbls for the month. This figure represents a significant 14.9 percent decrease compared to the February 2024 estimate of 12,104,263 barrels. The January 2025 estimate of 10,550,000 bbls was a decrease of 8.7 percent compared to January 2024 removals of 11,551,511 bbls. These drops in taxable removals signals continued headwinds for the brewing industry, as brewers navigate shifting consumer trends, increased competition from other beverage categories, and broader economic pressures impacting discretionary spending.

The February decline follows a pattern of softening shipment volumes observed over the past year and will likely prompt further discussion among industry stakeholders regarding strategies for recovery and growth in a challenging market environment. The Beer Institute’s monthly estimates are a critical barometer for the health of the U.S. brewing sector, reflecting the volume of beer removed from breweries and subject to federal excise tax. The more you know.

Taxable Removals – TTB
(31 Gallon Barrels)
Month	2023	2024	Percent Change	Volume Change
January	11,229,872	11,551,511	2.9%	321,639
February	11,045,637	12,104,263	9.6%	1,058,626
March	14,750,683	12,414,404	-15.8%	-2,336,279
April	12,870,473	12,454,150	-3.2%	-416,323
May	12,779,155	13,530,780	5.9%	751,625
June	15,188,694	14,271,114	-6.0%	-917,580
July	13,271,422	12,695,966	-4.3%	-575,456
August	14,099,932	12,996,999	-7.8%	-1,102,933
September	13,106,386	11,968,258	-8.7%	-1,138,128
October	11,273,866	11,390,324	1.0%	116,458
November	10,795,052	10,331,421	-4.3%	-463,631
December	11,702,846	11,245,933	-3.9%	-456,913
YTD	152,114,018	146,955,123	-3.4%	-5,158,895

The March 2025 taxable removals estimate is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2025.