Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) President Robert Budway issued a following statement in response to tariffs enacted on imports of steel and aluminium by the Trump Administration.

Imports of steel and aluminium into the United States will now be subject to a 25% tariff.

Warnings have been given that this will increase prices for consumers.

The statement read: “While we support President Donald Trump’s efforts to address unfair trade practices, tariffs on steel and aluminium will increase prices for canned foods and beverages. Consumers will feel the inflationary impact of these tariffs at the grocery store. 

“Recent history has demonstrated that trade protectionist measures have serious impacts for the U.S. economy and domestic food security. 

“Aluminium and steel tariffs place price pressures on American-produced goods by artificially and dramatically increasing the cost of critical production materials, making U.S.-made food less competitive against foreign products. 

“Since the 2018 tariffs, America’s tin mill steel producers shut down nine tin mill lines. Today, only three domestic production lines remain open in the United States, meaning American steel producers cannot meet U.S. demand with the highest tinplate steel costs in the world. This opens the door for cheaper canned foods to flood the U.S. market from China and other foreign competitors. 

“Our members make the highest-quality metal packaging for food and beverages. We are calling on President Trump to provide targeted tariff relief, ensuring steel and aluminium cans and the products packaged in those cans continue to be ‘Made in America.’”