The Trump administration’s new aluminum tariffs could lead to financial strain for small breweries, resulting in increased costs for customers, writes Eva Andersen for CBS News Philadelphia.
The president announced the 25 percent tariffs back in February with the goal of boosting domestic manufacturing.
However, Jake Atkinson, owner of Human Robot Brewery in Kensington, noted that he is already feeling the effects of the tariffs. For a small business like his, it’s challenging to absorb the costs.
“If things continue as they are, the price of your beer will go up,” Atkinson said. “That is not good. I don’t want to do that. I don’t have a choice.”
The same dilemma is happening at Love City Brewing in Callowhill, as well.
Melissa Walter, Love City Brewing’s co-founder, said they don’t have the buying or negotiating power that larger breweries may have.
She added that the brewery spends tens of thousands of dollars on aluminum. While the cans are manufactured in the United States, the raw aluminum materials frequently come from Canada.
While both Atkinson and Walter are weary of the impact the aluminum tariffs may have, both remain committed to staying open and serving the people in their communities.
Read more about the aluminum tariffs and how they may impact Philly’s small breweries at CBS News Philadelphia.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA Today in March 2025.
