China's domestic brewers are considering raising beer prices for the first time due to the increased cost of raw material. 
 
Industry insiders say that prices may jump by as much as 10 to 20 percent.

The whole industry is currently under pressure due to price hikes in raw materials including barley, rice, water and packaging.

However, China's brewing giants including Tsingtao Brewery and Beijing Yanjing Beer Group have yet to comment.

Insiders say the industry is facing a major reshuffle. All the players are extremely sensitive to their market shares and may even sacrifice profit to keep their sales solid. 

(CRI March 24, 2004)