LANSING — Northern Michigan breweries say they’re dealing with difficult economic headwinds as some consumers show more caution with spending this summer.

Larger operations say they’re also dealing with tariffs on aluminum and higher costs for ingredients, along with an uncertain environment for business investment.

“I’m optimistic for the future, but we’re in a period of challenges, and for some it’s really a period of trying to survive right now,” said Scott Graham, director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. “I would say recent history is the most challenging time in many years for local breweries.”

Graham says that the industry is generally down from its pre-pandemic peak.

“You’ve got people whose habits have changed,” he said. “They’re not going out and eating and drinking the same as

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