Beer exec: New tariffs will be bad for business

ODESSA (FOX 13) - Thousands of aluminum cans are filled and sealed with locally crafted brews at least once a week at Big Storm Brewery, ready to satisfy any beer enthusiasts’ thirst.  But new tariffs on aluminum and steel imports could leave a bad taste in the mouths of consumers.

The Commerce Department’s tariffs, 25 percent for imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum, was intended to bolster the industries in the U.S.

But Big Storm's co-owner and CFO says it's an inconvenience and a tax they don't want, and it poses a threat for an industry that has been booming over the last decade. 

"What we think will happen right now is the tariff on aluminum will see an increase to the consumer of 30 to 50 cents, for a product like ours, which is served in four-pack 16-ounce cans," LJ Govoni said.

It’s an increase Govoni expects will trickle down to the consumer, and could have a widespread economic impact in the long run. 

"Anything that’s negative to the consumer is negative to the manufacturer. I just think that will change people’s perspectives onto what they are willing to buy and pay for in a way that is, more than likely, not advantageous to small American manufacturers and businesses," he said.

Govoni says with the tariff now hitting imports, he expects to see a price increase in the next six months.