Customs quake: 25% increase to beer imports from Friday!

Customs quake: 25% increase to beer imports from Friday!

Düsseldorf, Deutschland - The US trade policy is again in focus after the US Ministry of Trade recently announced an expansion of the tariffs already announced to aluminum products. From Friday, April 2, 2025, 0:01 a.m. US East Coast period, empty aluminum doses will also be recorded by the new measures. This information was published in the press release of the Ministry of Commerce and significantly influence international trade currents. In 2024, beer imports to the United States were over $ 7.5 billion, with Mexico the largest share at $ 6.3 billion, followed by the Netherlands and Ireland.

The general customs code for "beer from Malz" is included in the document, although no specific subcodes for beer imports are listed in glass bottles. This ambiguity leaves space for interpretations and fears among the importers. Inquiries from Media, including the Reuters news agency, have so far remained unanswered.

extended customs measures on aluminum and steel

In addition to the new tariffs on beer imports, from March 12, 2025, an increase in customs sets for various goods will come into force in the USA. According to the information from the IHK Siegen, customs duties for aluminum and aluminum derivatives as well as for steel products from 10 to 25 percent are increased. These tariffs are part of an extensive regulation that falls under the proclamations 9704 and 9705 and includes numerous customs tariff positions.

The decision not only ensures uncertainty in the USA, but also provides the EU cause. The EU Commission has already announced that they are taking action against these trade barriers because it fears a grit of companies and inhibition of growth. The first countermeasures have already been taken and others are being planned to protect the European markets.

Concerted reactions to Trump's trade strategy

Analysts also warn of the possible negative consequences of this customs policy on transatlantic trade, especially for Germany, which is very dependent on export. The United States is the largest single market for German car manufacturers, and additional tariffs could significantly reduce sales. In view of the upcoming trade negotiations and the complex trade relationships, it is still crucial to pursue the developments carefully. The IHK Düsseldorf has already announced a webinar on the current US tariffs and the corresponding EU countermeasures in order to be able to prepare companies for the upcoming challenges.