Beer prices could rise if U.S. tariffs imposed

If U.S. President Donald Trump moves forward with tariffs on Canada, beer could be come more expensive. CTV’s Dave Charbonneau reports.

The price of beer could soon go up for Canadian companies that import cans from the U.S. if Donald Trump moves forward with proposed tariffs.

The owner of Ottawa’s Kichesippi Beer says if tariffs come into play, the cost of doing business will rise, and so could his prices.

“If prices go up on everything, things like our products become less affordable, right?” Paul Meek, owner of Kichesippi Beer, said.

Meek imports most of his beer cans from the states. A 25 per cent tariff could force him to look elsewhere to get his products.

“The cost of our cans and the cost of our glassware will go up,” Meek said. “So, right now our suppliers are trying to work on alternative options. We deal with Canadian suppliers on our cans. We deal with Canadian suppliers on our glass. But they, you know, from time to time bring in products from the U.S., especially on the can side of things.”

Some consumers say Canada should focus on making more of its own products.

“We have the resources. We just need to do the manufacturing,” said consumer Pam Huntly. “It gives us opportunities for Canada to look at different means of supply.”

And those who frequently buy canned beer say a rise in cost could force them to change their behavior.

“Of course. Yeah. If the price went up a lot on one thing, I’d be looking for alternatives for sure,” said consumer Don Daly.

“Ten cents, 15 cents, that wouldn’t make any difference,” said consumer Klaus Wilk. “But if it goes up, 40, 50 cents, it’s a whole different story.”

To help customers before any price hikes, Dunrobin Distilleries in Vankleek Hill, is discounting some of their best-selling items.

“We’re lowering our prices on our most popular products,” said co-founder and CEO Adrian Spitzer.

Spitzer says it’s about supporting the community in uncertain times.

“I think we wanted to show our support of our community,” Spitzer said. “There’s never been a better time for the community to come together. And we wanted to show that. We’re strong and we can assist here.”

For some, the solution to the rising cost of cans is simple.

“I guess if it’s just the cans that are going up, I would switch bottles,” said Daly.