New tariffs could raise prices for imported beer and wine

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - A new round of tariffs from President Trump could significantly impact the wine and beer industries, both globally and domestically.

Local establishments are already bracing for price hikes, and consumers may soon feel the pinch at the checkout counter.

At Hop City in Birmingham, owners say the most immediate effect of the tariffs will be higher prices for imported wines and beers.

Jacob Herron, package beer manager and buyer, explained that imported six-packs of beer could jump from about $12 to $17 or $18.

Additionally, the store’s selection could decrease as producers, who had previously shipped large quantities, may scale back shipments.

“About 30% of our beer is imported, and 60 to 70% of our wine comes from abroad. So, it will absolutely impact everything we bring in,” Herron said.

The tariffs on aluminum are also a concern. Imported beer, particularly from Europe, is packaged in aluminum cans, which are now subject to a 25% tariff.

Herron noted that while many European breweries traditionally used glass bottles, the shift to cans during the pandemic helped lower costs.

However, with the new tariffs, those savings will likely disappear.

“A lot of European countries traditionally use glass bottles, but to keep prices low during the pandemic, they started using more cans. Now, those prices will go up,” Herron added.

Though businesses are preparing for the worst, there is still uncertainty about which tariffs will remain in place and how they will evolve.

Herron anticipates that the price hikes could take effect in the next month or two, and he believes the adjustments will have both short and long-term effects on their business.

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