Whilst it is welcome that the US has imposed a 90-day pause on extra tariffs, The Brewers of Europe remains concerned that beer remains classified as an “aluminium derivative” in the annex of products attached to the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium products.
The result is that not only will beer continue to face 10% tariffs, but beer has also been singled out such that the cans in which 20% of European beers are exported will continue to face a 25% tariff, alongside metal wires, cables and pipes.
When beer has been part of our culture on both sides of the Atlantic for hundreds of years, it is disappointing to see it downgraded to the status of “aluminium derivative”!
We call on the European Commission both to stand up for beer in all containers in the EU’s call for zero-for-zero tariffs and to call on the US, our second biggest trading partner, to remove beer from the Annex 1 list of aluminium derivatives, for the benefit of US consumers wishing to enjoy great beers not just from the US but also from Europe.
Contact:
Simon Spillane, sws@brewersofeurope.org, @brewersofeurope
About The Brewers of Europe:
Based in Brussels, The Brewers of Europe brings together national brewers’ associations and companies from 28 European countries to support the united interests of Europe’s 10,000+ breweries. Our vision is to ensure a competitive, responsible and sustainable European brewing sector, creating shared value across the entire value chain and enriching European culture.