Budweiser Brewer Commits to 'American Beers and American Careers' as Trump Tariffs Loom

As the Trump administration pushes brands to produce more domestically, Anheuser-Busch has pledged to invest $300 million in its U.S. manufacturing facilities in 2025, and it wants Americans to know about it.

The U.S division of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has unveiled a 60-second spot highlighting its Brewing Futures initiative. The program funds new facilities, provides access to trade schools, and offers job opportunities to veterans.

The campaign from the Budweiser and Michelob Ultra brewer showcases some of the company’s 65,000 employees at work, ending with the line: “Investing in American beers and careers since 1857. We’re Brewing Futures.”

Since 2020, Anheuser-Busch has invested nearly $2 billion in 100 facilities nationwide. It also just announced plans for a new plant in Columbus, Ohio.

99% of its beer is locally produced, and its focus on U.S. operations comes as tariffs potentially reshape supply chains and increase the cost of imported goods, adding to the allure of a “Made in the USA” label for brands.

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Indeed, the brewer has been putting more marketing spend behind key brands such as Budweiser, which got an unplanned national Super Bowl spot in February. However, operationally, it is at risk from President Trump’s looming tariffs on aluminum, which it uses to make beer cans.

In its most recent earnings update on May 8, parent company AB InBev reported a 7.9% increase in operating profit. While sales volumes fell, net profit for the quarter was $2.15 billion versus $1.09 billion in Q1 2024.

U.S. revenues were down 5.1% year-on-year, which the business put down to poor weather and a slow Easter.

While some brands, including Ford, have directly addressed tariffs in their marketing and communications, AB InBev did not tackle the levies directly in its most recent campaign or with investors during its earnings update.

Correction: This article was updated at 2.07pm ET to make the distinction between AB InBev and its U.S. subsidiary Anheuser-Busch.