CMI says high aluminium tariffs raise costs for US can makers, 94% fruit imports show trade imbalance

The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and other industry groups have criticised recent tariff decisions by Donald Trump, saying they give an advantage to imported canned goods over products made in the United States.

CMI President Scott Breen said tariffs on aluminium and steel used by US manufacturers remain high, increasing the cost of producing metal cans domestically. In contrast, imported canned foods and beverages are not subject to the same level of tariffs, making them cheaper in the US market. He said this creates an uneven situation for American can makers, farmers, and food producers.

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In his words, “The Trump Administration’s recent aluminium and steel tariff actions keep costs high to make metal cans in America and low to import canned goods from foreign competitors, like China.”

The industry had previously requested changes to Section 232 tariffs to address this issue. However, the latest decision keeps the current system in place, which industry groups say will allow more foreign-made canned goods to enter the US at lower cost. CMI added that 98 per cent of surveyed voters believe the country should produce its own food rather than rely on imports.

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The American Fruit & Vegetable Coalition said the impact is already visible. It reported that more than a dozen US fruit and vegetable canning companies have closed due to competition from cheaper imports. The group also noted that 94 per cent of fruit and 53 per cent of vegetables served in US schools now come from outside the country.

The Brewers Association raised similar concerns. It said tariffs on aluminium sheet increase costs for domestic brewers, while imported canned beer can enter at lower or zero tariffs. This, it said, puts US producers at a disadvantage.

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Industry groups argue that current tariff policies are raising costs for domestic production while encouraging imports. They are calling for targeted tariff relief to support US manufacturers, farmers, and food producers, and to help reduce costs for consumers.