It is unlikely US government officials considered that the recent tariff spat with its major trading partners would impact America's 100m beer drinkers - but it has. Beer industry insiders told news reporter Xinhjua that their industry is being hit in several ways by the escalating trade disputes with Canada, Mexico and China. In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Bob Pease, president of the Brewer's Association voiced his industry's concerns with the imprudent tariff policies by US government noting "The tariffs on aluminium impact beer cans and the steel hikes affect the price of kegs." His words echoed Molson Coors who reported in an article in May that drinks packaged in aluminium cans will cost more for consumers. Farmers are also suffering from the tariffs with regards to equipment upgrades and purchases. For example, a barley farmer will send entire fields of crops to people like Molson Coors - but thanks to the trade war the farmers will earn far less. Many wheat and barley framers are considering alternative crop production and that could affect the cost and quality of domestic beer. In addition, bigger breweries are holding back on growth and investment due to the tariffs, industry officials said.
