FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
New 50% steel and aluminum tariffs take effect, threatening higher costs on everyday items, even Wisconsin beer
MADISON, Wis. – Last week, President Trump doubled steel and aluminum tariffs to a staggering 50%, putting Wisconsin families at risk of paying higher prices for everyday items from beer to canned goods and cars. Congressman Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil voted to support Trump’s tariffs that are raising prices for Wisconsin families.
Even Wisconsin's craft beer industry could be particularly vulnerable to these tariff increases. According to a new report from the Brewers Association, aluminum tariffs could hit the industry particularly hard due to its reliance on aluminum cans. The group noted that even portions of domestically-produced cans include some material imported from Canada, which will force manufacturers to raise costs on breweries. Steel tariffs also threaten the industry, as most steel kegs used in the U.S. are manufactured in Europe, according to the group.
Trump’s new tariffs will have far-reaching consequences beyond beer. Prices could skyrocket on a wide range of everyday items and essentials, including other canned grocery items, building materials, cars, household appliances, and products manufactured across Wisconsin. One expert estimated that the latest increase could raise the cost of new vehicles by as much as $3,000 per vehicle. Food banks, who are also facing challenges from federal cuts and looming Republican-led cuts to SNAP, could also be disproportionately affected by the latest increase in tariffs due to their reliance on shelf-stable canned goods.
Wisconsin Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have previously voted to protect Trump’s tariffs and voted for the Republican Tax Scam that will force massive cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs, which will also force working families to pay more out-of-pocket just to give more tax handouts to billionaires.
"Wisconsin families are already struggling with the cost of living, doubling steel and aluminum tariffs to 50 percent will only make everyday items more expensive," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "These tariffs are a tax on small businesses and Wisconsin consumers who will be forced to pay at the grocery store and even their local bar – all while Republicans in Congress continue to push for new tax breaks for the ultra-rich. Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden need to demand President Trump roll back these tariffs and find solutions to lower costs for Wisconsin families and businesses."
###
