The Can They Come in
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (194972)
Boise, Idaho
October 19, 2026 4:57pm CST
The cans that green beans, diced tomatoes, sweet corn, peas, beans, etc. that we pick up from time to time as a pantry staple come in are made from what is called tin plate. It is ultra thin steel coated with tin. A decade ago American mills made about 60% of what we use here. Last year that fell to about 20%. This is because steel producers shifted to more profitable steel for cars and buildings. And in June the tariff on steel went to 50%.
The can makes up about 1/3 of the over all cost of a can of vegetables or fruit. Canned vegetables last on the shelf for 2 years so they have been a real staple in many pantries.
Expect the price to go up in November. I will be buying in bulk when there are sales.
11 people like this
9 responses
@MarieCoyle (64268)
•
18h
Most of the cans used in the US to can vegetables and fruits are manufactured in Canada. It is making the price of canned goods higher, due to the tariffs, etc.
4 people like this
@celticeagle (194972)
• Boise, Idaho
18h
Yes, the tariffs have so much to do with the price going up.
2 people like this
@toniganzon (81989)
• Philippines
22h
I can truly understand the increase in price.
4 people like this
@Nawsheen (29004)
• Mauritius
11h
I had no idea that the can itself accounted for such a large part of the cost. It seems everything is getting more expensive these days, even basic food items. Buying in bulk when there are sales sounds like a good idea, especially since canned food lasts so long.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (194972)
• Boise, Idaho
8h
I didn't either. I thought it so interesting I had to share it here.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (107695)
• Los Angeles, California
23h
They can't use recycled metals?
3 people like this
@celticeagle (194972)
• Boise, Idaho
8h
I hope you can find good prices this next month and so forth.
@RasmaSandra (101541)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
31m
I don't have any place to store anything in bulk,
