When most people think about running a brewery or distillery, they picture stainless steel tanks, the smell of fermentation, and the pride that comes from creating something by hand. But if you are in business, you know it is not just about craft. It is also about navigating the economic pressures that come with it. Lately, one of those pressures is getting harder to ignore, tariffs.
As of April 2025, tariffs are not just an occasional bump in the road. They are becoming a permanent part of doing business, affecting everything from raw materials to equipment costs. Small and independent producers in particular are feeling the pinch as costs rise on items like aluminum cans, steel kegs, brewing equipment, and imported ingredients such as hops and malt. These additional costs are especially hard on small businesses already working with tight margins. (Brewers Association, 2024 Craft Brewing Industry Figures) (MSN/Axios: What tariffs could mean for Pennsylvania craft brewers)
And these added pressures are hitting at a time when the industry is already facing a slowdown. In 2024, there was a 4 percent drop in craft beer production, the biggest decline outside the pandemic. (MSN/Axios)
Time to Rethink Your Supply Chain
If your business depends heavily on imported aluminum, specialty ingredients, or international equipment, you have probably already felt the squeeze. Tariffs have made it clear how fragile those global supply chains can be, especially when even the threat of trade disruption can send prices soaring or delay access to critical materials.
The cost volatility is pushing more brewers and distillers to prioritize domestic sourcing, whether that be from barley and hops to packaging and spare parts. In a market where 501 U.S. breweries closed in 2024 alone, outpacing openings for the first time in 20 years, every advantage counts. (Brewers Association)
Local sourcing might come with a higher upfront cost, but it brings a level of predictability and resilience that’s hard to put a price on.
Let Tariffs Push You Toward Innovation
It is easy to view tariffs as just another financial hurdle. But they can also be a spark for creativity. As imported ingredients become more expensive or harder to source, more producers are exploring what is available in their own backyard. Native grains, foraged herbs, and locally grown botanicals are finding their way into beers and spirits, not just out of necessity, but to differentiate products in a crowded market.
Distillers are feeling this shift too. In 2024, U.S. spirit exports surged to a record $2.4 billion, in part because global buyers were stocking up ahead of possible tariff increases on American whiskey. (MSN/CNBC: American liquor exports hit record high in 2024)
The pressure is real, but so is the opportunity to innovate with local flair and regional character.
Run a Tighter Operation
With so many costs in flux, dialing in your day-to-day operations is more important than ever. That means tracking production data, understanding how price changes are affecting your margins, and using insights to make better buying decisions.
Ekos gives producers real-time visibility into inventory, production costs, and supplier trends, all the tools needed to stay ahead of the next big change. In a year when market saturation, shifting consumer behavior, and rising input costs have already led many producers to delay expansion or absorb losses, getting more efficient is not just smart. It is essential. (Brewers Association)
Lean Into Customer Loyalty
Your customers care about more than just price. They want to support businesses that stand for something. So, if your costs are going up, be open about why. Talk about your use of local ingredients, your commitment to sustainability, or the story behind each release.
Building that kind of connection makes people more likely to stick with you, even if prices shift. And it reinforces the value behind every bottle or can.
Keep Adapting
Nobody can predict where trade policy is going next. But one thing is clear, tariffs are not going away any time soon. That means the best move is to build a business that can flex and adapt. Strengthen your supply chain. Stay creative. Invest in better systems. Stay close to your customers.
At Ekos, we are working with producers every day who are making these moves. Our tools help you track costs, plan ahead, and stay nimble when things change. If you are ready to future-proof your operations, we are ready to help. Book a Demo today and ask about our current promotions that are helping your operations and your savings.
