Mexico ranked first among the largest exporters of empty aluminum cans to the United States in 2024, according to data from the Department of Commerce.
These products have been subject to a 25% tariff at U.S. customs since April 4.
Exporters of empty aluminum cans
The new tariffs are part of an aggressive tariff policy by U.S. President Donald Trump that has impacted the global system of international trade.
On this particular case, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced the inclusion of two products to the additional 25% Section 232 tariffs on aluminum-derived products.
These products are classified as follows: HTSUS 7612.90.10 (empty aluminum cans) and HTSUS 2203.00.00 (beer).
The following are the largest exporters of empty aluminum cans to the United States in 2024, in millions of dollars:
- Mexico: 135.
- Canada: 28.
- China: 20.
- Chile: 16.
- Germany: 16.
In sum, U.S. imports of empty aluminum cans in 2024 were $268 million, a 15% drop over 2023.
Trade Regulation
On April 2, 2025, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security issued a new notice. This draft was published in the Federal Register. It adds beer cans and empty aluminum cans to the list of aluminum “derived” products.
These products are therefore subject to tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.