Cans and kegs of Red Barn Brewing beer. (Photo via Red Barn Brewing's Facebook page)
Chatham

CK brewery keeping close eye on aluminum tariffs

Breweries may be some of the hardest hit businesses from the trade war between Canada and the U.S.

Most beer cans are made out of aluminum, one of the metals currently being hit by a 25 per cent tariff from the U.S. and a soon-to-be 25 per cent tariff from Canada.

One brewery that is expecting a rise in price is Red Barn Brewing in Blenheim. Co-owner Denny Vervaet told CK News Today they were lucky to get an order in before the tariffs came into effect.

However, he believes the retail price per can on future orders could rise by as much as 50 cents. Since Red Barn is a smaller brewery, they won't be hit as hard as some others.

"We do a lot of cans for the size that we are but at the end of the day we're not a big conglomerate that's shipping international or national," said Vervaet.

Since Red Barn got an order of cans at regular price, they have no immediate plans to raise their prices to offset the tariffs.

"I like to see what happens before we go crazy because the thing I'm worried about is if everyone starts raising their prices, will everyone bring it down again?" added Vervaet.

He mentioned anyone worried about paying more for their cans of beer can just visit the brewery and enjoy a cold beer in a glass instead.

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