Tariff Updates
Mexico
As of October 6, 2025, the United States implemented a significant new tariff affecting Mexico's brewers' industry, specifically a 25% tariff on imported empty aluminum cans and canned beer, which took effect on April 4, 2025. This measure, an extension of existing aluminum tariffs, classifies beer cans as 'aluminum derivative products.' While the beer itself is generally exempt from duties under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), this tariff directly targets the packaging. This action increases costs for Mexican brewers, such as those producing for Corona and Modelo, who export canned beer to the U.S. There are also reports of a potential 50% tariff on aluminum and steel which could supersede other rates.
Existing Trade Agreements
The total goods trade between the United States and Mexico recently amounted to $839.89 billion annually, with U.S. imports from Mexico at $505.85 billion. The primary trade framework governing this relationship is the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Within this, U.S. imports of beer from Mexico in 2024 were valued at approximately $6.38 billion. Mexico dominates the U.S. beer import market, accounting for about 83% of all beer imports, making it the largest beer exporter to the U.S.
New Tariff Changes
The new tariff policy marks a shift from the previous approach under the USMCA, which allowed for largely tariff-free trade in beer. This change, influenced by the Trump administration's trade strategy, now targets specific components in the supply chain, such as aluminum cans, rather than the final agricultural product. The administration justifies this as a measure to protect domestic industries, specifically American aluminum producers. This nuanced application of tariffs on 'derivative products' from a key trading partner has created significant market uncertainty, with policies being threatened and modified throughout 2025.