Canadian Brewer Buys Local Grain, Chinese Cans Due to US Tariffs
Phil Smith, co-owner of Tinhouse Brewing in British Columbia, is pivoting his sourcing strategy by purchasing more Canadian grain and switching to Chinese cans in response to U.S. tariffs. The brewery, traditionally reliant on a mix of U.S., European, and Canadian ingredients, is now focusing on an 80% Canadian grain composition to adapt to the changing trade landscape. Smith acknowledges that while this shift may lead to losses for many businesses, he hopes a surge in local consumer support will help mitigate the impact.
- This situation highlights the interconnectedness of local businesses and international trade policies, showcasing how tariffs can reshape sourcing decisions and consumer behavior in unexpected ways.
- What long-term effects might such trade tensions have on consumer loyalty towards locally produced products versus imported goods?