Core Insights - Tariffs are significantly impacting the global packaging industry, with a universal 10% import duty and increased steel and aluminium tariffs now in effect, leading to higher packaging costs and supply chain uncertainties [1][2][3] Tariff Impact on Costs and Supply Chains - The restoration and expansion of Section 232 metals duties have raised input costs for aluminium and steel used in packaging, affecting pricing and procurement strategies [2] - Packaging buyers are front-loading orders to avoid tariff impacts, resulting in increased warehousing costs and price volatility [3] Retaliation and Broader Economic Effects - Retaliatory measures from countries like China, including a WTO case and countermeasures, are exacerbating supply chain pressures and increasing recession risks as tariff coverage expands [4] Deregulation and Compliance Changes - The US government is rolling back environmental regulations, which may reduce compliance costs for packaging but could lead to greater divergence from stricter state and international standards [5][6] - Changes in food and consumer-goods labelling regulations are also occurring, which may affect packaging design and compliance processes [6][7] Price and Sustainability Implications - Higher import duties on aluminium cans are likely to increase input costs, potentially shifting some demand back to plastic bottles, which may have lower life-cycle costs [8]

Environmental Impact - Selling glass bottles or cans may cause less environmental damage [1] Business Strategy - Branding strategies can potentially lead to higher prices for glass bottles or cans [1]