Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs set a baseline 10% tariff on imports, but it appears beer will be treated differently.
That’s because beer is covered in ‘Annex 1 on aluminum derivative products’.
Beer and empty aluminum cans are both specified on the annex, with tariffs starting at 12.01am EDT on Friday, April 4.
However, brewers have been left uncertain as to which products will be covered by the new rules.
Beer, or just beer in cans?
Imports of beer to the US topped $7.5bn in 2024, according to US Census Bureau data. Mexico makes up the majority of that (at $6.3bn), although a number of European beer brands are also popular.
Cans make up just under 40% of imported beer, although the Brewers Association, the organization representing small and independent breweries, questions if the wording of the notice suggests whether tariffs will apply to all beer, not just cans.
Constellation Brands is one of the most significant importers of Mexican beer into the US: with brands such as Corona and Modelo. BeverageDaily has reached out to the company for comment.
European brands
Belgium is the largest exporter of beer in the EU, closely followed by Germany and the Netherlands.
The US is European brewers’ second most important export market for beer in both volume and value terms.
The US tariffs are concerning to Europe’s 10,000 breweries, says the Brewers of Europe, the trade organization representing the sector.
And the question of whether the tariff covers cans or all beer is important, as cans make up a relatively small proportion of Europe’s beer exports (around 20%).
“We are currently seeking further clarity on the exact products captured by this new announcement,” says a statement from the Brewers of Europe this morning.
“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.”
