The National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute released their biennial Beer Serves America report on the economic impact and importance of the American beer industry. The study found that the U.S. beer industry supports nearly 2.4 million local jobs and contributes more than $409 billion to our economy – equivalent to 1.6% of GDP. The beer industry also pays more than $132 billion in wages and $63.8 billion in taxes.