If New Yorkers are facing higher prices for craft beers and ciders, it might be due to the tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imported aluminum. According to a report from the Albany Times-Union, local craft brewers are feeling the financial strain as these tariffs increase their costs significantly.

Christian Weber, co-owner of Common Roots Brewing, shared that he has experienced an 8% rise in costs, translating to an additional $10,000 for the business. The tariffs, which began with a 25% increase in March and then doubled to 50% in June, are intended to promote domestic production but have left brewers burdened until U.S. manufacturing can meet the demand.

Weber explained the challenges coming from supply chain issues, stating, “If the end goal is to increase American manufacturing, then you can’t just slap a tariff on and expect the market just to catch up.” As American manufacturers struggle to keep up with the sudden demand for materials, other costs have also surged. For example, cardboard prices have gone up by 5%, and certain food items have seen “astronomical” price increases, including coffee, which rose by as much as 25% due to its import reliance from countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.

The impact of these tariffs extends beyond breweries. Sonya del Peral, co-owner of Nine Pin Cider, highlighted that a recent shipment of cans came with an added tax of over $1,700. With several shipments remaining this year, she noted that the additional $20,000 in costs has been shocking for a small business. Del Peral stated, “This is all about building up manufacturing, supposedly, but it’s really hurting our existing manufacturing business, which is hyperlocal.”

As local brewers and cider producers navigate these challenges, the broader effects of tariffs are increasingly evident, raising concerns about the sustainability of small businesses in New York’s craft beverage industry.