Europe’s brewers have expressed concern at a move by the US to add beer and empty cans to a list of imports subject to levies on aluminium.
Alongside President Trump’s announcement yesterday (2 April) of sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs onto all imports into the US, there was a notable change to the levies the US is placing on aluminium.
The US Commerce Department issued a notice that said beer and empty aluminium cans would join the list of derivative products subject to the wider aluminium tariffs from 12:01 ET tomorrow.
“Whilst there is an 20% tariff on all EU products, it is the addition of beer to the Annex 1 list of aluminium derivative products facing a 25% tariff that is particularly concerning to Europe’s ten thousand breweries,” Julie Leferman, secretary general of trade association Brewers of Europe, said.
“The US is European brewers’ second most important export market for beer in both value and volume terms. We are currently seeking further clarity on the exact products captured by this new announcement.”
Just Drinks has contacted the Commerce Department to ask if beer sold in glass is subject to any extra levies.
Yesterday, Trump unveiled a universal “baseline” tariff of 10% on all imports into the US. The levy will come into effect on Saturday.
Some nations and trading blocs face higher rates; EU imports are to be hit with a 20% tariff, products from Japan have been lined up with a tariff of 24% and shipments from China are to be slapped with aggregate levies of 54%, though that includes earlier tariffs). South Africa is bracing for a 30% levy. These are set to go live on Wednesday.
Leferman added: “Brewing is a key driver of growth, investment and employment on both sides of the Atlantic and a major part of people’s lives on both continents. With value chains that stretch from the farmers grafting in the fields to the hardworking staff in the bars, it is critical to de-escalate and work towards a solution that cuts tariffs on beer and thus benefits consumers, workers and businesses in both the EU and the US.”
