SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane businesses are bracing for the possible impacts of President Trump’s tariffs on aluminum.
Many beloved breweries and distilleries sell drinks in aluminum cans. With the 25% tariff on aluminum and steel set to take effect at midnight, Dry Fly Distilling says it’s going to see costs increase which can have a trickle down effect.
“Everything has been volatile regarding the tariffs,” said Dry Fly President Patrick Donovan. “We’ll definitely see a price increase and we’ll have to make a decision whether we pass that on or whether we absorb it.”
It’s a dilemma that Donovan says is tough for small businesses.
“We’re not really in a position market-wise to pass that cost onto our customers without hurting our business,” he said. “Either it goes to the consumer or it goes to us and that’s obviously going to have a negative impact on our business.”
Local drywall company, Modern Drywall, says it can be affected as well, though it doesn’t think there will be an immediate impact.
“I think that’s the million-dollar question that everybody’s asking is ‘What are things going to look like from a price standpoint,” said Modern Drywall president Brad Mickelson. “For not just businesses like ourselves but consumers.”
Dry Fly has already felt the impact of the trade war. Recently, the distillery had an opportunity to sell in Canada. But, that was stripped from the company when Canada pulled America-made spirits off shelves.
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