Mexico Requests Review of Aluminum Tariffs with the U.S.

The national industry chamber urges the Mexican government to negotiate with the U.S. following the implementation of a 25% tariff on empty and beer-filled cans, effective since April 1. Mexico, the main exporter of these products, could face job losses and investment decline if production migrates northward. Businessmen warn that the measure favors U.S. producers under a protectionist approach.

According to U.S. Department of Commerce figures, in 2023, more than 1.127 billion empty 355-milliliter cans were exported from Mexico, each weighing approximately 13 grams.

Despite its leadership, Mexico’s market share has been declining. In 2020, the country supplied 57% of U.S. aluminum can imports; by 2024, this figure dropped to 47%, largely due to growing competition from China, explained foreign trade specialist Víctor Pacheco.

During 2024, the value of Mexican aluminum container exports reached $89 million, far from the $317 million recorded in 2020. This decrease in sales is now exacerbated by the new tariff, which also applies to exported beer cans, though not to their contents.

Pacheco warned that this policy could lead to a shift in can production towards the United States, affecting the operation of Mexican plants and putting pressure on employment and investment in the country.

Nevertheless, Mexico continues to lead in canned beer exports to the United States, with sales exceeding $2.428 billion in 2023, compared to $1.171 billion in 2020.

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