Can manufacturers seek duty exemption on aluminium can sheets

The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) has asked the U.S. Commerce Department to exempt aluminium can sheets and other aluminium products, which are used to make beverage cans, from tariff or trade restrictions. CMI told aluminium can sheets are not a security risk that requires government intervention.

CMI is the national trade association of the metal can manufacture industry in the United States. The can industry accounts for the annual domestic production of approximately 124 billion.

The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) said that any tariff will increase the cost of aluminium beverage cans consumed by U.S. consumers. CMI noted that trade action against aluminium can sheet would also cause disruptions along the supply chain.

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“Like most industries, can makers depend on predictability in supply and price. If the aluminium supply is hindered by unnecessary tariffs or trade restrictions, it could lead to supply inefficacies and affect product availability,” CMI said.

“Meanwhile, over the past five years, aluminium can manufacturers invested well over $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing facilities. Even a small tariff will result in greater uncertainty about prices, supply, financing and would dramatically curtail investment and hiring in the United States.”

A tariff on aluminium products would put aluminium cans at a disadvantage with competitive packaging, such as glass and plastic. “This would ultimately harm U.S. consumers, who would pay more for canned beverage products”.