President Trump could soon roll back some tariffs on imported steel and aluminum products, according to The Financial Times. Those tariffs, which were raised from 25% to 50% last June, were imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. That means they won't be affected by the Supreme Court's recent ruling against Trump's country-specific tariffs, which were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
President Trump is reportedly mulling lower tariffs for aluminum cans, steel appliances like ovens, and other consumer-oriented products. Two blue chip consumer staples stocks could benefit from those reductions: Coca-Cola (KO +0.26%) and Constellation Brands (STZ 1.13%).
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How would lower tariffs help Coca-Cola?
Coca-Cola, the world's largest beverage maker, only sells concentrates and syrups for its flagship sodas and other drinks. It relies on a global network of independent bottlers to actually produce, distribute, and sell the finished products. That capital-light model enables it to maintain high gross margins and generate ample cash for dividends.
NYSE: KO
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Coca-Cola isn't directly exposed to aluminum tariffs, but its bottling partners need to absorb those higher costs. As regional bottlers face higher costs, they'll likely raise wholesale prices, reduce promotions, and invest less in marketing and distribution. They could also push Coca-Cola to reduce its concentrate prices.
In other words, Coca-Cola's global sales will slow if those tariffs remain in place, and its margins could decline. That's why it recently said it would push its bottlers to sell more of its drinks in PET bottles if the aluminum tariffs aren't rolled back. However, abruptly ramping up PET bottle production would also likely crimp bottlers' near-term margins and generate additional headwinds. Therefore, reduced aluminum tariffs would benefit both Coca-Cola and its independent bottling partners.
How would lower tariffs help Constellation Brands?
Constellation Brands, one of the world's largest producers of beers, spirits, and wines, generates most of its revenue in the United States. It also imports its top beer brands -- including Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico -- from Mexico.
NYSE: STZ
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Nearly 40% of Constellation's beer shipments from Mexico come in aluminum cans. To offset those higher tariffs, it needs to raise its prices -- but it doesn't have much pricing power as it grapples with declining beer consumption (especially among younger consumers) across America. The recent economic and immigration-related pressures for Hispanic consumers, who account for about half of its beer sales, are exacerbating that pressure. Constellation faces other challenges, including declining sales of wines and spirits. Still, a reduction in aluminum tariffs would resolve one of its biggest challenges and make its stock more attractive again.
