US 50% Metal Tariffs Lift Can Costs as Iran Conflict and USMCA Uncertainty Jolt Plastics
Updated
Updated · Waste Dive · Jul 16
US 50% Metal Tariffs Lift Can Costs as Iran Conflict and USMCA Uncertainty Jolt Plastics
3 articles · Updated · Waste Dive · Jul 16
Summary
Section 232 tariffs raised to 50% in 2025 are pushing up U.S. canmaking costs, with beverage prices up 2% to 3% since June 2025 and canned fruits and vegetables up about 5%.
Canadian aluminum suppliers are redirecting sales to Europe, forcing U.S. buyers to source more from the Gulf region, which supplied 21% of primary aluminum imports in 2025 as tinplate steel remains heavily import-dependent.
Plastic markets have seen milder but uneven tariff effects: U.S. imports of Chinese plastic packaging fell 7.2% in January-May, while proposed 10% to 12.5% tariffs on goods from about 60 countries add planning uncertainty.
Iran-linked disruptions have whipsawed commodities, with resin prices rising about 6% in April and 14% in May, while aluminum prices fell recently on ceasefire hopes but could rebound if tensions worsen.
USMCA uncertainty adds another layer for both sectors after Washington said this month it would not renew the pact in its current form, though industry speakers said a rewrite could strengthen North American trade against Chinese overcapacity.