Trump administration tariffs create uncertainty for brewery owner
Share and Follow


() The Trump administration’s threats of a global trade war have left small businesses facing uncertainty.

Businesses like Begyle Brewing in Chicago say tariffs significantly impact their profit margins. On Thursday, President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne and spirits.

The proposed tariff is a response to the European Union’s planned 50% tariff on American whiskey. It is expected to go into effect April 1.

There is currently a 25% tariff on most goods coming from Mexico and Canada that officially went into effect on March 4 after a 30-day pause.

Kevin Cary, owner of Begyle Brewing, said his mid-sized brewery imports about 200,000 pounds of barley from Canada each year and that the tariffs would hurt the brewery’s margins.

On Wednesday, Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, another expense for Cary’s business as they need enough to produce about 1 million cans each year. He says the back-and-forth is leaving him confused.

“There could be a tipping point where that grain just costs too much, and aluminum also might just cost too much,” said Cary. “If you can’t produce something for a fair price and sell it for a fair price, what’s the point?”

While the brewery could raise prices to offset increased costs, Cary is reluctant to burden his regular customers. “This is sort of what people are willing to pay, and if you go past the point of what people are willing to pay, you’re going to stop seeing people spending money,” he said.

More than anything, Cary wants stability in the policy environment. Since February, the president has made multiple tariff-related announcements, creating uncertainty for businesses.

“It’s hard when you’re managing any business to not really know what you’re going to be able to do in a month, three months, 12 months,” Cary said. “It impacts hiring. It impacts purchasing contracts and relationships that you have with suppliers.”

While many business owners express concerns over the impact of tariffs on production costs and their livelihoods, some California farmers actually support the measures, with one calling it “a painful reset, but a short-term issue.”

“I have concerns, but I’m not panicking,” said Tom Barcellos of Barcellos Farms. “This is a correction that needs to be done. When they talk about a 10% tariff on certain things, sometimes I have to chuckle because Canada already has an over 200% tariff on dairy products going into Canada. So what’s another 10%?”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
St. Augustine residents weigh in on new 'No Wake' law during tidal flooding

St. Augustine residents weigh in on new ‘No Wake’ law during tidal flooding

Cordova Street has been inundated with flooding with high tides pushing several…
Mark Sanchez's baby mama takes brutal dig at ex-NFL star

Mark Sanchez’s Ex-Partner Throws Shade: A Scathing Remark at Former NFL Quarterback

The mother of Mark Sanchez’s eight-year-old son has spoken out after the…
Joe Biden, 82, undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment amid 'aggressive' cancer battle

President Biden, 82, begins radiation and hormone therapy in fight against ‘aggressive’ cancer

Former president Joe Biden is taking a new approach to his battle…
Helicopter crashes into California building

Helicopter crashes into California building

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
4 dead, 20 injured in shooting at South Carolina bar: authorities

4 dead, 20 injured in shooting at South Carolina bar: authorities

BEAUFORT COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — Four people are dead and at least…
Chicago Marathon 2025: Thousands of runners descend on Windy City ahead of Bank of America Chicago Marathon October 12

Chicago Marathon 2025: Thousands of Athletes Converge on the Windy City for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 12

CHICAGO (WLS) — With less than a day until the start of…
Multiple people shot at a Mississippi university homecoming event

Several Individuals Injured in Shooting at Mississippi University Homecoming Event

Multiple people were shot in Mississippi when gunfire erupted at Alcorn State…
Helicopter crash in Southern California leaves 5 people hospitalized

Helicopter crash in Southern California leaves 5 people hospitalized

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A helicopter crash in…