Washington, D.C. – As Canada prepares to impose retaliatory tariffs on a range of U.S. products, D.C. Brau Brewing Company is bracing for higher aluminum costs that could affect the price of its beer cans. The tariffs, scheduled to start on Sept. 8, target steel and aluminum among other goods, according to the Associated Press.
Brandon Skall, CEO and co‑founder of the Northeast‑based brewery, told WTOP that while the full 50% tariff level is unlikely to reach the company because several suppliers sit between the raw metal and the cans, a 10%‑25% increase in aluminum expenses is still possible. He estimates a 10% rise for the aluminum used on can lids and a 15%‑25% jump for the 12‑ and 16‑ounce cans themselves, which could add $40,000 to $70,000 in annual costs.
Planning for uncertainty
Skall said the brewery will monitor supplier price changes over the next 60 days, when the impact of the tariffs should become clearer. D.C. Brau carries enough inventory to weather short‑term fluctuations, but any sustained cost increase would have to be absorbed through the company’s annual price‑adjustment cycle with its distributor.
“We’re trying not to jump to any conclusions, but it is definitely a concern,” Skall said. He added that the craft‑beer market is already soft both nationally and locally, making any price hike a difficult decision for consumers.
Keeping beer affordable
Despite the uncertainty, the brewery remains focused on keeping its product affordable. Skall explained that the company is developing several speculative forecasts to gauge how the market might react and to determine the best timing for any price changes.
“We’re always trying to keep our product as affordable as possible,” he said. “However, it’s hard to predict, especially when you’ve got wild factors like this that can come in at any moment.”
The situation highlights how international trade actions can ripple down to local businesses and everyday consumers, even in the nation’s capital.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
