US slaps 25% tariff on beer and aluminum cans, sparking trade tensions
On Wednesday, April 2, the US administration under President Donald Trump announced a new 25% tariff on all beer imports, adding it to a list of products affected by the ongoing aluminum tariffs.
In a notice published in the Federal Register, the US Department of Commerce revealed that the new duties would apply to both beer and empty aluminum cans starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 4. The tariff will target beer made from malt, and the specific tariff code for beer was included in the announcement.
At the time of the report, the Commerce Department had not yet provided further comment on the decision.
This move comes just hours before President Trump is expected to announce additional tariffs on US trading partners, which is likely to intensify the ongoing global trade dispute and lead to price hikes.
US Census Bureau data indicates that beer imports were valued at over $7.5 billion in 2024, with Mexico leading the way as the top exporter, sending $6.3 billion worth of beer to the US. Other significant suppliers include the Netherlands ($683 million), Ireland ($192 million), and Canada ($73 million). This new tariff is expected to heavily impact these beer-exporting countries.
