Store Shelves Depleted of Canned Foods and Cleaning Supplies During Current Pandemic. A Steady Supply of Steel Is Needed to Meet Demand
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) calls on the Trump Administration to immediately suspend tariffs on steel used to manufacture food and aerosol cans. Outsized demand for everyday canned foods and disinfectant products is straining supply chains. Can manufacturers desperately need a steady source of tinplate steel, both domestic and foreign, to continue to supply quality food and sanitizing products to American consumers.
The more than 22,000 can manufacturer employees take great pride in producing durable metal containers for nutritious, affordable, accessible foods and beverages. Approximately 40 percent of steel used in can making is imported to make up for shortfalls of domestic steel supply. U.S. steel producers are unable to satisfy the unprecedented domestic demand for food, aerosol and other can production during this current pandemic.
“As consumers look to nutritious shelf stable canned foods and important cleaning supplies during this global pandemic, can manufacturers are working overtime to meet demand,” said CMI President Robert Budway. “CMI asks the Trump Administration to place an immediate waiver on tinplate steel tariffs so foreign steel can be imported quickly without the bureaucratic hurdles imposed by tariffs. American consumers are in dire need of canned products as we self-quarantine during this crisis.”
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The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) is the national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The can industry accounts for the annual domestic production of approximately 119 billion food, beverage and general line cans; which employs more than 28,000 people with plants in 33 states, Puerto Rico and American Samoa; and generates about $17.8 billion in direct economic activity. CMI members are committed to providing safe, nutritious and refreshing canned food and beverages to consumers.
Contact: Sherrie Rosenblatt: srosenblatt@cancentral.com | Phone: 202-232-4677