American craft beer is making inroads outside the U.S. The Brewers Association, the Boulder, Colo.-based trade group, reported that exports rose 86 percent by volume last year and now have increased for the ninth consecutive year.

American craft breweries last year exported more than 110,000 barrels, valued at an estimated $23.4 million — a 97 percent increase by dollars over 2010 exports, the association said.

Canada was the industry's largest market, with shipments rising 127 percent by volume (up to 27,976 barrels). That was largely due to increased demand in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. The United Kingdom and Sweden were the next two largest markets. Exports to both countries totaled about 13,065 barrels.

“The growth in international sales is remarkable in light of the lingering global economic recession," Brewers Association Chief Operating Officer Bob Pease said in a prepared statement. "Despite decreasing purchasing power, consumer demand for American craft beers has remained strong and importers have continued to expand their portfolios of American craft beer brands, even in emerging markets, like Brazil and India. These export figures speak for themselves. They are a testament to the innovation of small, independent American craft brewers and their focus on creating products of value to the consumer."