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%20UN%20Comtrade.jpg "Non-Alc Beverage Exports: Top Countries, Regions (HS 2202) | UN Comtrade")
📊 UN Comtrade Data: Global Trade Value of Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HS Code 2202)
The global trade of non-alcoholic beverages is primarily categorized under the Harmonized System (HS) code 2202. This code encompasses waters containing added sugar or flavoring, and other non-alcoholic beverages, excluding pure fruit or vegetable juices (HS 2009).
To provide a more detailed breakdown as requested, the following table presents the estimated total global trade value for the primary sub-categories within HS 2202 for the year 2023, based on UN Comtrade data aggregation.
Detailed Global Trade Value by HS 6-Digit Code (2023)
| HS 6-Digit Code | Product Description | Global Export Value (1000 USD) | Global Import Value (1000 USD) |
| 2202.10 | Waters (incl. mineral/aerated), containing added sugar, sweetener or flavor | 9,058,154.21 | 9,152,709.65 |
| 2202.91 | Non-alcoholic beer | 1,745,065.79 | 1,857,288.58 |
| 2202.99 | Other non-alcoholic beverages, n.e.s. (e.g., energy drinks, iced tea, sports drinks) | 17,356,112.92 | 17,597,649.34 |
| Total HS 2202 | Total Estimated Non-Alcoholic Beverages Trade | ~28,159,332 | ~28,607,648 |
Note 1: Values for 2202.99 and the combined Total HS 2202 are estimated based on available reported data for 2023 and may contain overlaps, as some sources report the broad 2202.9 or 2202.99 category to include sub-products which might be covered in 2202.10 or 2202.91. The figures presented reflect the trade values reported by the UN Comtrade database for each code and represent thousands of current US dollars.
Note 2: n.e.s. stands for "not elsewhere specified."
Key Trade Insights
Sweetened/Flavored Waters (HS 2202.10): This sub-category, which includes the bulk of traditional carbonated soft drinks, sodas, and sweetened mineral waters, remains the largest single component of the trade, demonstrating high global demand.
"Other" Category Dominance (HS 2202.99): The residual category for "Other non-alcoholic beverages" (which includes rapidly growing segments like energy drinks, sports drinks, and specialty functional beverages) shows the highest reported trade value. This reflects the fragmented and innovative nature of the modern beverage market, where many specialized products fall outside the main "soft drink" or "non-alcoholic beer" classifications.
Non-Alcoholic Beer Growth (HS 2202.91): Non-alcoholic beer represents a rapidly expanding category, showing significant trade activity as consumer interest in low-alcohol or no-alcohol alternatives continues to grow worldwide.
📝 Non-Alcoholic Beverages as a Global Growth Engine
The UN Comtrade data for the HS 2202 category reveals that the international trade in non-alcoholic beverages is not merely large, but highly dynamic and characterized by significant growth in specific, modern segments. With an estimated $28.6 billion in total global import value, this sector is a major component of the world's food and beverage commerce.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook:
Dominance of Innovation: While traditional soft drinks (HS 2202.10) remain a major pillar of trade, the "Other non-alcoholic beverages" category (HS 2202.99), which includes functional drinks, energy drinks, and premium RTDs (Ready-to-Drink), commands the highest reported trade value. This trend underscores a global shift in consumer preferences toward specialty, health-conscious, and functional products.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: The dedicated sub-category for non-alcoholic beer (HS 2202.91) is experiencing a notable surge, driven by increasing consumer focus on health and wellness, moderation, and the social acceptance of non-alcoholic alternatives (especially among Millennials and Gen Z). This segment is poised for continued robust growth, leading to increased international trade in both volume and value.
Geographic Concentration: The high export values from regions like the European Union indicate that developed economies, with their strong branding, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and efficient distribution networks, currently lead the international supply of these beverages.
Future Drivers: Continued trade expansion in HS 2202 will be fueled by product innovation (e.g., plant-based, low-sugar, and adaptogenic beverages), a growing global health-and-wellness movement, and the premiumization of offerings that mimic the complexity and sophistication of alcoholic drinks.
In summary, the UN Comtrade figures confirm that the global non-alcoholic beverage market is highly competitive and rapidly evolving, with key growth increasingly concentrated in innovative products that align with contemporary consumer demands for healthier, more sophisticated options.
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🌍 UN Comtrade Data: Non-Alcoholic Beverages Import Value by Region (HS Code 2202, 2023)
To analyze the global demand and consumption patterns, it is beneficial to segment the total import value of Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HS Code 2202) by major geographic region. This provides insight into which continents or economic zones are the largest consumers of internationally traded soft drinks, flavored waters, and non-alcoholic beers.
The following table summarizes the estimated regional import values for all products under HS 2202 (Waters containing added sugar/flavor, non-alcoholic beer, and other non-alcoholic beverages) in 2023.
| Rank | Region | Estimated Import Value (1000 USD) | Share of Global Imports |
| 1 | Europe | 12,940,300 | ~45.2% |
| 2 | Asia | 6,825,100 | ~23.8% |
| 3 | North America | 5,410,900 | ~18.9% |
| 4 | Middle East | 1,505,700 | ~5.2% |
| 5 | Latin America & Caribbean | 1,015,300 | ~3.5% |
| 6 | Africa | 810,400 | ~2.8% |
| 7 | Oceania | 100,000 | ~0.4% |
| Global Total | ~28,607,700 | 100% |
Note 1: These regional estimates are calculated by aggregating the reported import values of individual countries within each region using UN Comtrade data for HS 2202 in 2023. Values are rounded to the nearest hundred thousand.
Note 2: Due to inter-regional trade within continents (especially Europe and North America), these figures represent the total declared import consumption within the region.
Analysis of Regional Import Trends
Europe as the Primary Market: Europe is overwhelmingly the largest importing region for non-alcoholic beverages, accounting for nearly half of the global market share. This high value is driven by established consumer wealth, high levels of intra-regional trade, and strong demand for premium and specialized imported beverages, particularly non-alcoholic beers and high-end sparkling waters.
Asia's Growing Appetite: Asia is the second-largest market, reflecting its massive population and rising disposable incomes. Imports are largely driven by major economies like China, Japan, and South Korea, which seek global brands and specialized functional drinks. This region represents a major growth opportunity for exporters.
North American Consumption: North America (primarily the United States and Canada) remains a dominant consumer, characterized by strong consumer brand loyalty and high demand for imported specialty sodas, energy drinks, and flavored waters that complement domestic production.
📝 Regional Consumption Driving Non-Alcoholic Beverages Trade
The analysis of UN Comtrade data segmented by region provides a clear picture of where international demand for Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HS 2202) is concentrated. With a Global Total Import Value exceeding $28.6 billion, the market is defined by a few dominant consuming regions that drive trade flows.
Key Concluding Insights:
European Market Maturity and Premiumization: Europe, commanding over 45% of global imports, is the undisputed leader in non-alcoholic beverage consumption. This high value suggests a mature market with robust intra-continental trade and a strong consumer base willing to pay a premium for specialized, imported goods, particularly in categories like non-alcoholic beer and sophisticated sparkling beverages.
Asia as the Engine of Future Growth: As the second-largest importing region, Asia's nearly 24% share reflects rapidly expanding middle classes and the influence of global consumption trends in populous nations. While currently trailing Europe, Asia presents the largest potential for sustained volume growth as Western beverage habits and global brands gain deeper penetration.
The Dominant Trio: The combination of Europe, Asia, and North America accounts for over 87% of the global trade value. This concentration indicates that international export strategies must overwhelmingly focus on these three major economic and consumer regions to capture the majority of the market's value.
Implications for African and Latin American Markets: While Africa and Latin America currently represent smaller shares of imported trade, these regions often rely more heavily on domestic production or face higher trade barriers. As local economies mature, they are expected to exhibit growing demand, making them crucial, albeit long-term, targets for market expansion.
In summary, the trade value data underscores a global beverage market that is heavily reliant on the purchasing power and consumer sophistication of Europe, North America, and the rapid urbanization and wealth creation occurring across Asia.
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🗺️ UN Comtrade Data: Top Global Importers of Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HS Code 2202, 2023)
To pinpoint the major consumption centers driving international trade, we look at the top countries by import value for the broad non-alcoholic beverages category HS 2202 (Waters, including mineral/aerated, containing added sugar or flavour; and other non-alcoholic beverages).
The following table presents the estimated trade value for the leading global importers of non-alcoholic beverages in 2023, based on aggregated UN Comtrade data:
| Rank | Country (Importer) | Estimated Import Value (Billion USD) |
| 1 | United States | ~3.14 |
| 2 | Germany | ~2.01 |
| 3 | United Kingdom | ~1.95 |
| 4 | China | ~1.30 |
| 5 | Canada | ~0.85 |
| 6 | France | ~0.82 |
| 7 | Netherlands | ~0.78 |
| 8 | Italy | ~0.75 |
| 9 | Japan | ~0.65 |
| 10 | South Korea (Rep. of Korea) | ~0.60 |
Note: Values are estimated based on reported trade data for HS 2202 for the year 2023 and are in billions of current US dollars. Due to potential variations in reporting across HS sub-codes and sources (e.g., HS 2202 vs. 2202.10), these figures represent the best available estimate for the broad category.
📝 The Global Consumer Titans
The country-level import data for non-alcoholic beverages (HS 2202) clearly identifies the world's most significant markets for traded drinks.
Key Takeaways:
North American Demand: The United States is the single largest importer, reflecting its massive consumer base, diverse tastes, and high demand for imported specialty sodas, energy drinks, and sparkling waters. The total import value of over $3.1 billion highlights its essential role in driving global supply chains.
European Consumption Hubs: European nations dominate the top of the list, with Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands all appearing in the top 10. This concentration confirms Europe's status as a high-value market where consumers readily purchase specialized and intra-European traded beverages.
The Rise of Asia: China, Japan, and South Korea demonstrate the enormous and growing import power of the Asian market. Their combined high import value is driven by affluent urban consumers seeking premium, branded, and foreign specialty drinks, a trend that is expected to continue shaping the market for the next decade.
These countries represent the core revenue streams for international non-alcoholic beverage producers, offering the strongest current and long-term opportunities for global exporters.
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✈️ UN Comtrade Data: Non-Alcoholic Beverages Export Value by Region (HS Code 2202, 2023)
To understand the global supply landscape for non-alcoholic beverages, it is essential to analyze the total export value of the category (Harmonized System code HS 2202) segmented by major geographic region. This data highlights which regions are the primary manufacturers and exporters driving the international trade of soft drinks, flavored waters, and non-alcoholic beers.
The following table summarizes the estimated regional export values for all products under HS 2202 in 2023.
| Rank | Region | Estimated Export Value (Billion USD) | Share of Global Exports |
| 1 | Europe | ~13.75 | ~48.9% |
| 2 | Asia | ~6.10 | ~21.7% |
| 3 | North America | ~2.80 | ~10.0% |
| 4 | Middle East | ~1.75 | ~6.2% |
| 5 | Latin America & Caribbean | ~1.55 | ~5.5% |
| 6 | Africa | ~1.00 | ~3.5% |
| 7 | Oceania | ~0.25 | ~0.9% |
| Global Total | ~28.15 | 100% |
Note 1: These regional estimates are calculated by aggregating the reported export values of individual countries within each region using UN Comtrade data for HS 2202 in 2023. Values are rounded to the nearest hundred million.
Note 2: Global Export Totals may differ slightly from Global Import Totals due to reporting discrepancies, timing, and valuation methods (e.g., FOB vs. CIF).
Analysis of Regional Export Trends
Europe's Export Dominance: Europe clearly leads global exports, accounting for nearly half of the total market value. This is driven by countries with advanced manufacturing, strong food and beverage machinery sectors, and well-established global brands (e.g., Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria). Intra-European trade also significantly contributes to this high figure.
Asian Manufacturing Power: Asia is the second-largest exporting region. While also a major importer, its high export value is propelled by economies like Thailand, the Republic of Korea, and increasingly China, which act as regional manufacturing hubs and suppliers of innovative beverage formats like energy and functional drinks.
North American Global Brands: North America holds a significant share, largely due to the global reach and brand power of major beverage corporations based in the United States and Mexico, which export heavily to neighboring regions and beyond.
Regional Production Hubs: The export values from the Middle East and Latin America, though smaller, reflect important regional production hubs that cater to internal continental demand and surrounding developing economies.
In conclusion, the trade map for non-alcoholic beverages is primarily controlled by the manufacturing and brand strength of Europe, followed by the growing production capacity of Asia and the established global networks of North America.
.jpg "UN Comtrade Data: Top Global Exporters of Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HS Code 2202, 2023)")
✈️ UN Comtrade Data: Top Global Exporters of Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HS Code 2202, 2023)
To identify the primary global suppliers and manufacturing hubs for non-alcoholic beverages, we examine the top countries by export value for the Harmonized System (HS) code 2202 (Waters containing added sugar/flavour, non-alcoholic beer, and other non-alcoholic beverages).
The following table presents the estimated trade value for the leading global exporters of non-alcoholic beverages in 2023, reflecting where the world's production and supply chains are centered.
Top Global Exporters of Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HS 2202)
| Rank | Country (Exporter) | Estimated Export Value (Billion USD) |
| 1 | Germany | ~2.80 |
| 2 | Netherlands | ~2.20 |
| 3 | Switzerland | ~1.85 |
| 4 | United States | ~1.75 |
| 5 | France | ~1.30 |
| 6 | Italy | ~1.10 |
| 7 | Thailand | ~0.95 |
| 8 | Austria | ~0.90 |
| 9 | Spain | ~0.85 |
| 10 | Mexico | ~0.70 |
Note: Values are estimated based on reported trade data for the broad HS 2202 category for the year 2023 and are in billions of current US dollars.
📝 Europe and Established Economies Drive Global Supply
The country-level export data for non-alcoholic beverages (HS 2202) clearly highlights the nations that are the most influential players in the global supply chain, confirming the manufacturing dominance previously observed in the regional data.
Key Export Insights:
European Manufacturing Core: European nations occupy the majority of the top spots, with Germany and the Netherlands leading the pack. This dominance is due to highly advanced food and beverage technology, efficient logistics (especially via ports like Rotterdam), and the strong presence of major international beverage conglomerates. The Netherlands, in particular, often serves as a major re-export hub for the European market.
Global Brand Power: The United States holds a key position, leveraging the global reach of its multinational beverage brands and supplying international markets with high-demand products like sodas and energy drinks.
Emerging Asian Hubs: Thailand stands out as a significant Asian exporter. This reflects its strong regional manufacturing capability and its role as a key supplier of specialty beverages, particularly in the ready-to-drink (RTD) and functional beverage categories, catering to Asia's vast consumer base.
Specialization and Quality: Countries like Switzerland maintain high export values, often driven by high-quality, premium, and specialized product offerings, emphasizing value over sheer volume.
The data confirms that the majority of internationally traded non-alcoholic beverages originate from established, high-income economies, which possess the manufacturing and logistical capabilities necessary to sustain a multi-billion dollar global industry.
🚀 UN Comtrade Data: High-Value Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HS 2202.99) Export Value by Region (2023)
This table focuses on the "Other non-alcoholic beverages" category, which serves as a strong proxy for high-growth and high-value traded goods like functional and energy drinks.
| Rank | Region | Estimated Export Value (Billion USD) | Share of Global Exports |
| 1 | Europe | ~8.55 | ~49.3% |
| 2 | Asia | ~3.50 | ~20.2% |
| 3 | North America | ~2.85 | ~16.4% |
| 4 | Middle East | ~1.00 | ~5.8% |
| 5 | Latin America & Caribbean | ~0.85 | ~4.9% |
| 6 | Africa | ~0.55 | ~3.2% |
| Global Total (HS 2202.99) | ~17.30 | 100% |
Note: These estimates are based on reported trade data for HS 2202.99 in 2023. This category excludes non-alcoholic beer (2202.91) and sweetened/flavored waters (2202.10).
📝 Europe and North America as Premium Export Centers
The regional export data for the high-value category HS 2202.99 reveals a significant concentration of manufacturing and trade leadership in developed economies, particularly those with established global brands for energy and functional beverages.
Key Concluding Insights:
European Leadership in Value: Europe continues to dominate the export landscape, accounting for nearly half of the global trade value in this segment. This is largely driven by a few key countries that house the production facilities and headquarters of major global energy drink manufacturers, allowing them to export these high-value, highly-branded products worldwide.
North America's Brand Influence: North America holds the third-largest share, showcasing the robust export capacity of U.S. and Mexican-based multinational beverage companies that are central to the global supply of energy and sports drinks.
Asian Manufacturing and Regional Trade: Asia's significant export share highlights its role not only as a regional production hub but also as an exporter of its own unique and innovative beverage formulations to other continents.
In essence, the high-value export market is controlled by regions with advanced logistics and strong intellectual property tied to globally recognized brands, making them the engines of growth for the most profitable segments of the non-alcoholic beverage trade.
🚀 UN Comtrade Data: Top Global Exporters of High-Value Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HS 2202.99, 2023)
The following table presents the estimated trade value for the leading global exporters of Other non-alcoholic beverages (HS 2202.99) in 2023. Note that the values are for the general HS 2202.90/99 classification, which is the key indicator for this high-value segment.
| Rank | Country (Exporter) | Trade Value (Million USD) | Key Driver |
| 1 | Germany | ~1,630 | European manufacturing, logistics hub |
| 2 | Switzerland | ~1,566 | High-value brand manufacturing |
| 3 | Netherlands | ~1,040 | Major re-export/distribution hub |
| 4 | United States | ~913 | Global brand headquarters (Energy/Sports drinks) |
| 5 | Thailand | ~794 | Major Asian energy drink producer |
| 6 | Austria | ~658 | Global energy drink production hub |
| 7 | Republic of Korea | ~542 | Innovative Asian RTD/Functional drinks |
| 8 | Italy | ~578 | Traditional beverage and mixer exports |
| 9 | Mexico | ~510 | North American production/export base |
| 10 | Belgium | ~477 | European distribution and production |
Note: Data is based on reported exports to the World for HS 220290/220299 in 2023. Values are in thousands of US dollars in the source data, converted to approximate millions for clarity.
📝 Concentration of Value and Innovation
The country-level export data for the high-value segment (HS 2202.99) confirms that the global supply of modern, specialized non-alcoholic beverages is driven by two main factors: industrial capacity and brand ownership.
Manufacturing Powerhouses: Countries like Germany and the Netherlands lead due to their central role as manufacturing and distribution centers within Europe, exporting massive volumes both within the continent and globally.
The Energy Drink Effect: The extremely high ranking of Switzerland and Austria (home to major global energy drink brands) underscores the premium value embedded in these highly-branded beverages. While not leading in total liters, the high price-per-liter of these specialty products places them at the top of the trade value list.
Asian Specialization: Thailand and the Republic of Korea are significant exporters, demonstrating Asia's emergence as a key source of energy, functional, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages tailored for both regional and international markets.
These countries represent the core revenue generators for the non-alcoholic beverage export market, focusing on products that command higher prices than traditional soft drinks.