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
Former Doctors Without Borders leader calls group 'accomplices of Hamas' over Gaza war response

Former Doctors Without Borders leader calls group ‘accomplices of Hamas’ over Gaza war response

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Doctors Without Borders, or…
Trump peace plan for Gaza could be just a 'pause' before Hamas strikes again, experts warn

Trump peace plan for Gaza could be just a ‘pause’ before Hamas strikes again, experts warn

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The emerging Gaza peace framework…
Billie Eilish violently pulled into crowd at concert

Billie Eilish dragged into audience during concert incident

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Gold is soaring... pros say you should do this with your 401(k) soon

Gold Prices Are Climbing: Here’s What Experts Suggest You Do with Your 401(k)

For millennia, civilizations have sought out gold amid uncertainty—from old-world monarchs storing…
Atlantic Beach Monument honors fallen wartime heroes

Discover the Atlantic Beach Monument: A Tribute to Wartime Heroes and Their Unyielding Legacy

In a heartfelt ceremony on Saturday, the Beaches Fallen Wartime Heroes Monument…
Jared Kushner reenters as key player in Middle East peace push

Jared Kushner Returns as Leading Figure in Middle East Peace Efforts

Jared Kushner has reentered the political spotlight as a top envoy for…
Albanian judge killed in courtroom shooting amid growing anger over justice system reforms

Albanian judge killed in courtroom shooting amid growing anger over justice system reforms

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! On Oct. 6, Albanian…
Protesters clash with police outside ICE facility in Chicago

Intense Clashes Erupt Between Protesters and Police at Chicago ICE Facility

Protesters battled with police outside an ICE facility in Chicago on Saturday…