The U.S. Department of Commerce has added can ends and lids to the list of aluminum derivatives under Section 232 tariffs, effective Monday, August 18.
President Donald Trump enacted Section 232 tariffs in 2018 during his first term. The initial policy had several exemptions, which eased the impact on most industry members. However, the latest additions could have a larger impact on brewers’ bottom line, according to the Brewers Association (BA).
“Importers of can ends and lids may now be subject to tariffs or licensing requirements under Section 232,” BA technical brewing projects director Chuck Skypeck wrote in a BA update. “This change could contribute to higher packaging costs and added supply chain complexity.
“Brewers should review procurement strategies and engage with suppliers to understand potential impacts on cost and availability.”
More than 400 products were added to the list of included aluminum and steel items, which have a 50% duty rate (increased from 25% in June). Other additions include mobile cranes, bulldozers, wind turbines, railcars, compressors and more, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The latest additions come as Trump continues to make changes to his extensive tariffs policies, including double-digit “reciprocal tariffs” on several countries that went into effect August 7. Additionally, a global exemption on imports valued at $800 or less is set to expire on August 29.
Aluminum is “the single largest input cost for most brewers’ packaging operations,” according to the BA. Canada is the largest exporter of aluminum to the U.S., sending $11.4 billion in aluminum in 2024.
Aluminum cans make up 75% of total packaged craft beer volume and revenue in 2025, the BA shared earlier this month.
“The BA will continue to advocate for fair and transparent trade policies that minimize unnecessary burdens on small and independent breweries,” Skypeck wrote.