China remains the world's top beer producer with output accounting for 17 percent of world production, China Radio International reported Tuesday.

Last year China produced a total of 25 million kiloliters of beer, up 7 percent from the previous year putting it on top of the beer producers list for the second consecutive year.

Beer production in China has risen in line with strong economic growth in recent years.

The fact that an increasing number of foreign beer producers have began local production is another reason for the rise in beer production.

The United States is second, with an output of 23 million kiloliters, or more than 15 percent of world output.

Germany ranked third, followed by Brazil and Russia.

Last year global beer production increased for the 19th consecutive year.