Canadian liquor stores have started removing American alcoholic beverages from their shelves. This move comes in response to new US tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, escalating trade tensions.
Empty Shelves Spark Public Reaction
Images and videos on social media show liquor store shelves once filled with American spirits now empty. A viral post on platform X displayed a vacant shelf under a sign labeled “États-Unis,” the French word for the United States, in a Quebec store.
In Ontario, the Liquor Control Board announced on March 4 that it had “ceased the purchase of all US products.” Meanwhile, in New Brunswick, liquor agency employees packed American wine bottles into boxes in a Facebook video. In Nova Scotia, a TikTok user shared footage of bare shelves labeled “USA.”
US Tariffs Trigger Canadian Response
President Donald Trump recently imposed a 25% tariff on nearly all imports from Canada and Mexico. He claimed the measure was necessary to stop fentanyl trafficking into the US. However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the move. He argued that “less than 1 percent of the fentanyl intercepted at the US border came from Canada.”
In response, Canada hit back with its own 25% tariff on $107 billion worth of US goods. Experts warn this could increase liquor prices and hurt American alcohol exports. Kentucky, a major whiskey producer, sent $76 million worth of spirits to Canada in 2023, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Ontario Premier Takes a Firm Stand
Ontario Premier Doug Ford made his stance clear. “The governor of Kentucky said, ‘Don’t touch our bourbon,’ and I said, ‘Governor, that’s the first thing we’re going after,’” Ford told reporters. “We’re the largest purchaser of Kentucky bourbon in the world. They’re done. They’re gone.”
Industry Leaders Warn of Job Losses
The Distilled Spirits Council voiced strong concerns about the tariffs on both sides. The group warned that these measures could lead to job losses in the American wine and spirits industry.
“These US tariffs on Mexico and Canada will result in great harm to US companies and employees throughout the wine and spirits supply chain, from restaurants, bars, and retail outlets to shippers and importers/exporters of spirits and wine products,” the council stated.
Economic Fallout Expected
The trade dispute is already affecting businesses. Major US retailers have warned that prices could rise for consumers. As tensions grow, the economic impact may spread further.
