A total of 6,000 breweries were in operation in the United States during 2017 – a surprising 98 percent of them being small and independent craft brewers. The Brewers Association’s Economic Impact Report showed that craft brewers contributed $67.8 billion to the U.S. economy in the last year.
The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA), was reintroduced to Congress and has reached a majority of support in both the Senate and House of Representatives. If passed, the bill would considerably reduce the federal excise tax on the first 60,000 barrels of any domestic brewery that produces less than 2 million barrels a year and would lower the federal excise tax on barrelage up to 6 million barrels.
“This has been an incredible year for the craft beer community with both challenges and successes. Emphasized more than ever before is the need to advocate for and educate beer drinkers on the importance and value of craft brewers to our nation and our culture,” said Julia Herz, craft beer program director, Brewers Association. “What is especially gratifying is watching the positive impacts beer tourism and independent breweries are having on local communities.”
Source: Brewers Association, December 2017