US aluminium tariffs become campaign subject in Virginia congressional race as breweries face higher costs

US President Donald Trump’s aluminium tariffs have become a point of contention in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District race, with Democratic candidate Tom Perriello arguing that higher metal prices are increasing costs for local breweries and beer consumers.

Perriello and former Republican Congressman Denver Riggleman raised the issue during an event at the Water Dog in Lynchburg, where they met local brewers and customers to discuss the impact of tariffs on the brewing industry.

Perriello said higher aluminium prices made it more expensive for breweries to package their products, and they passed the added costs on to customers. He said rising prices concerned people across the political spectrum.

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He said, “It's what I hear from everyone on the right, left and center. They're just paying too much for everything because of these tariffs…”

When asked about what action he would take in Congress to reduce costs, Perriello called for changes to the tariffs imposed by Trump. He argued that Congress has the authority to withdraw and determine whether the tariffs remain in place.

The impact of US aluminium tariffs is also being felt by breweries in Canada, where higher costs are affecting beer can production. Walkerville Brewery in Windsor, Ontario, reported that the price of a 473 ml aluminium can had increased from around 31 cents to 35 cents following the tariff changes. The brewery uses approximately 40,000 cans each month and has so far avoided passing the additional costs on to customers.

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The cross-border supply chain adds to the pressure on Canadian breweries, as some aluminium produced in Canada is sent to the US for rolling into can sheet before returning for can production. Higher metal costs have therefore affected manufacturers and can suppliers on both sides of the border.