After Trump proposes aluminum tariff, some in the beer industry feel concern

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A proposal floated by President Donald Trump last week has some in the beer industry worried about what’s on tap.

The president proposed a 25 percent tariff on steel, and a 10 percent tax on aluminum.

The Beer Institute says the second part of that idea would cost the brewers about $347 million, and prompt layoffs in the beverage industry.

Mike Rangel of Asheville Brewing says he’s concerned about anything that impacts his business, but thinks it’s too early to be overly concerned.

“It’s one of those things that as a small business owner, you hope doesn’t happen, but you’re always prepared for those kind of changes,” Rangel said.

While some fear the tariff proposal will spark a trade war, the president says it’s important to bolster the U.S. steel industry.

On Monday he downplayed the idea that there will be a trade war, and said the tariffs could be used as a bargaining chip over NAFTA.