Connecticut boasts more than 100 breweries, from small mom and pop businesses to the world’s leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer. But all could be affected by President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, which is expected to drive up the costs of materials used to brew, house and serve beer like kegs and tanks. Chief among the concerns is aluminum cans, most of which come from Canada, according to the Brewers Association.

On Thursday, News 12 stopped by Brewport, which opened in Bridgeport in 2016.

“We are not a production brewery, but we're always producing beer. I brew about 15 barrels every week,” Browning explained.

He spoke with News 12 after he’d finished running the canning line.

“Today we only did 35 cases, maybe a few more later today, but small can runs. My previous job, they'd do hundreds of cases in a day,” Browning said.

Brewport's beers are only currently sold in-house including at the retail store, but Browning said the brewery expects to begin distributing this year. That would mean canning a lot more cases.

“If the can prices go up, it's going to cause our prices, our bottom line to go up. During COVID, we had some can shortage, and it was pulling teeth just to get cans. I’m expecting similar issues,” Browning stated.

He said it's possible the tariffs could change the brewery's upcoming distribution plans.

“If I can't get cans, I can't package my beer, so it just trickles down. I hope it doesn't get to that case, but it could potentially, so we're bracing for that,” Browning said.

It's the latest hit for the craft brewing industry following the pandemic, supply chain issues and changes to the beverage market.

“Right now, you know, beer sales could be better,” Browning said. “World events definitely impact the industry, both positive and negative.”

The tariffs are supposed to take effect March 12.