Small craft breweries across Georgia say they’re being squeezed — again. And this time, it’s not the pandemic or supply chain chaos. It’s politics. Specifically, tariffs.
A sweeping 25% tariff on imported aluminum, recently reimposed under President Donald Trump’s economic policy shift, is sending ripples — or maybe more like tremors — through the state’s brewing community.
And for many of Georgia’s local brewers, there’s no room left to absorb another hit.
“Tariff Whiplash” Hits Just as Brewers Begin to Recover
Breweries in Georgia were already clawing their way back to stability after the pandemic punched holes in everything from logistics to customer turnout. Then came inflation. Now, it’s aluminum.
“We’re getting hit from all sides,” said Joseph Cortes, executive director of the Georgia Craft Brewer’s Guild. “There’s no time to adjust. It’s just boom — 25% increase in the cost of one of our most essential materials.”
Most aluminum used in craft brewing comes from outside the U.S. — especially Canada. So when the tariffs dropped back into place, it wasn’t just a political headline. It was a direct blow to production budgets, already razor-thin for many smaller operations.
One brewer in Athens put it bluntly: “It’s like being in a relay race, and someone throws a brick in your hand right before the final stretch.”
Not Just About Cans — The Tariff Ripples Run Deep
It’s easy to focus on aluminum cans, but that’s not the whole story.
Aluminum’s used all over a brewery — from fermenters to piping to kegs. And while some of that is domestic, imported aluminum is still a key piece of the puzzle.
And the timing? Couldn’t be worse. Many breweries just signed new supply contracts for summer. Prices are now locked in higher than expected — and brewers can’t easily renegotiate or walk away.
This leaves two options:
• Eat the costs and watch profits shrink
• Raise prices and risk losing already price-sensitive customers
Georgia Breweries by the Numbers
Let’s take a quick snapshot of what’s at stake in the state:
| Metric | Number / Status |
|---|---|
| Craft Breweries in Georgia | Over 170 |
| Industry Economic Impact (2023) | $1.9 Billion |
| Aluminum Usage (Est. Annual) | 19+ million cans |
| Jobs Supported | Approx. 10,000 |
For a craft sector that prides itself on being local, agile, and community-driven, these macroeconomic swings are like potholes on a freshly paved road.
Brewers Forced to Get Creative — Again
This isn’t the first time Georgia brewers have had to think on their feet. During COVID, many pivoted to direct-to-consumer sales, limited releases, and creative packaging.
Now, it’s back to the drawing board.
One Atlanta-based microbrewery said it’s testing out a new “growler exchange program” to reduce reliance on cans. Others are leaning harder into draft-only releases for local taprooms — cutting down on canning altogether.
But that’s not a silver bullet.
Some brewers just don’t have the foot traffic to survive without distribution. And distribution = cans = aluminum.
Industry Leaders Say Policy Swings Are the Bigger Problem
It’s not just the cost increase — it’s the unpredictability. That’s what’s frustrating folks like Cortes the most.
“You can plan for a bad year,” he said. “What you can’t plan for is the rules changing mid-game — and then changing back again a year later.”
Many brewers made equipment and sourcing decisions based on earlier trade rules. Now, they’re scrambling to adapt again. And who knows how long this policy will stay in place?
A tariff today could be gone tomorrow — or doubled next quarter.
That kind of whiplash doesn’t just hit the bottom line. It slows hiring. It delays investments. It sucks the oxygen out of small business growth.
One brewer in Macon said it best: “If we were a big multinational, we’d have options. We’re not. We just have beer and a dream.”
What’s the Ask? Brewers Want Stability, Not Subsidies
Despite the tough talk, most local brewers aren’t asking for bailouts. They’re just asking for some consistency.
Here’s what Georgia’s brewers say would help:
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Predictable Trade Policy: No more on-again, off-again tariffs
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Support for Domestic Can Manufacturing: Help scale U.S. capacity so brewers have better options
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Small Business Protections: Let microbreweries apply for exemptions or credits in future tariff adjustments
Cortes said the guild is planning to take its message to lawmakers — both in Georgia and Washington.
“It’s not about picking political sides,” he added. “It’s about letting small businesses breathe.”
Will Prices Go Up? It Depends Where You Drink
So what’s next? For most craft beer lovers, it’ll likely mean higher prices — at least in the short term.
How much depends on the size of the brewery, their sourcing contracts, and how creative they can get with packaging.
But don’t be surprised if your favorite local IPA jumps 50 cents. Or if your go-to seasonal release starts coming in bottles instead of cans.
And while bigger breweries might weather the storm better, the smallest players — the local taproom down the block, the startup brewery in a former warehouse — they’ll feel the sting first.
