Impact of Trump's 25% Tariff on Beer and Aluminum Cans

This Wednesday, the United States government announced that it will impose a 25% tariff on all beer imports, which includes both the beverage and empty aluminum cans. These will be added to a list of products affected by the aluminum tariffs. According to the Department of Commerce, these tariffs will take effect from the very first minute of April 4.

The official notice specifies the corresponding tariff codes: for malt beer, 2203.00.00, and for empty aluminum cans of less than 20 liters, 7612.90.10. However, there is no code mentioned for beer imports in glass containers. It's worth noting that the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum for all countries have been in effect since March 12. There has yet to be a response from the Department of Commerce to Reuters' inquiries regarding this announcement. Interestingly, this information comes just before Trump is expected to announce new reciprocal tariffs on his trading partners, thus escalating a global trade war. This move could leave a significant mark on beer imports, which surpassed $7.5 billion in 2024, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. Mexico is the top supplier of beer to the United States, with imports reaching $6.3 billion last year, followed by the Netherlands with $683 million, Ireland with $192 million, and Canada with $73 million.

This tariff will not only impact beer trade between Mexico and the United States but could also affect the prices of these products in the U.S. market. Additionally, it may drive Mexican producers to diversify their export markets, seeking alternatives in response to such protectionist policies that create uncertainty in international trade.