# The Beer Association of South Africa warns that high excise taxes are driving consumers toward illicit alcohol. Speaking at the 2025 Africa Brewing Conference, BASA CEO Charlene Louw called for urgent tax relief, citing that 38-percent of a beer’s price goes to tax. She emphasised beer’s vital economic role including supporting over 210-thousand jobs while contributing 94-billion-rand to the gross domestic product. She calls for alignment of tax policy with economic realities to protect jobs and fight illegal trade.
Beer Association of South Africa urges lower beer taxes to curb illicit alcohol trade