By Bob Tita
A Senate Democrat wants to know whether President Trump's 50% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum has increased prices for canned food and beverages.
In letters sent Wednesday to the CEOs of Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Costco and Dollar General, Sen. Maggie Hassan (D, N.H.) asked the retailers to quantify the effects of the tariffs on food costs and store equipment, such as shelves and refrigerators. Trump doubled the duty on imported steel and aluminum to 50% on June 4.
Most tin-coated steel used to make cans is imported. The Consumer Brands Association, which represents packaged food manufacturers, projected the 50% duty could increase prices for canned food items by 9% to 15%.
"High grocery prices are a top economic concern for Americans," wrote Hassan, the ranking minority member of the Senate's Joint Economic Committee. She said other concerns have been raised about the tariffs' impact on grocery operations and logistics.
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 18, 2025 11:01 ET (15:01 GMT)
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