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Canadian provinces pull US products
US spirits are being pulled from stores in Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia following US president Trump’s decision to apply tariffs on Canadian products.
At the weekend, Trump confirmed 25% tariffs would be applied to Mexican and Canadian goods.
Last week, Ontario premier Doug Ford threatened to “clear off every bit of US alcohol off the shelves” if Trump went ahead with plans. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is the government-run agency that controls liquor stores across the province.
In a statement on X yesterday (2 February), Ford said: “Every year, LCBO sells nearly US$1 billion worth of American wine, beer, spirits and seltzers. Not anymore.
“Starting Tuesday, we’re removing American products from LCBO shelves. As the only wholesaler of alcohol in the province, LCBO will also remove American products from its catalogue so other Ontario-based restaurants and retailers can’t order or restock US products.
“There’s never been a better time to choose an amazing Ontario-made or Canadian-made product. As always, please drink responsibly.”
The LCBO confirmed the Ontario government has directed it to remove all US alcohol products both in store and online, as well as ceasing wholesale sales to restaurants, bars, grocery, and other retailers.
It said: “Effective no later than 4 February, spirits, wine, beer, ready-to-drink coolers/cocktails, and non-alcoholic products produced in the US will no longer be available in our retail stores, e-commerce channels, or LCBO convenience outlets.
“Wholesale customers, including grocery and convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and other retailers, will no longer be able to place orders of US products.
“Our in-store teams can help customers find alternative products from our extensive selection of products from Ontario, Canada, and around the world.
“LCBO is the importer of record for all US alcohol products into Ontario, with annual sales of up to US$965 million. We currently list more than 3,600 products from 35 US states. US products will not be purchased by LCBO until it is directed to resume normal business.”
Canada fights back
Meanwhile, in British Columbia, premier David Eby asked the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to immediately stop buying American liquor from “red states” and remove the top-selling “red-state” brands from its shelves.
“President Trump’s 25% tariffs are a complete betrayal of the historic bond between our countries and a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally,” he said. “As British Columbians, and as Canadians, we will stand strong and united in the face of this unprecedented attack.”
Nova Scotia’s premier Tim Houston has also ordered the province’s liquor board to remove US products from 4 February.
In a public statement, he said: “It’s remarkable to find ourselves at odds with our best friend and neighbour.
“It will take thoughtfulness and time, but we will get through this. There are things within our control that we must act on. We must ramp up our focus on finding new markets here at home with programmes like Nova Scotia Loyal, focus on developing our own resources, eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers and, finally, of course, look for international diversification.
“We will do these things and no matter what, I will do everything I can to protect the interests of hard-working Nova Scotians and their families. Nova Scotians are my concern.
“We are anxious to understand the federal government’s plans for programmes to support Nova Scotians, and we will also do what we can but it is too early to determine exactly what is necessary.”
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