Canadian Provinces Ban U.S. Liquor Amid Escalating Trade Tensions, Over $1 Billion in Annual Sales Affected

OTTAWA, Canada – Several Canadian provinces, including Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, have implemented bans on the sale of U.S. liquor products in their government-run stores. This move comes as a direct response to escalating trade disputes and the imposition of new tariffs by the United States on Canadian goods. The decision significantly impacts American producers, with Ontario's Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) alone accounting for nearly $1 billion in annual sales of U.S. alcohol.

The measure is a retaliatory step following the U.S. re-imposition of a 25 percent tariff on most Canadian imports. Jon Hartley, in a recent tweet, highlighted the situation: > "Amid ongoing trade disputes, Jack Daniels remains banned in Ontario, Quebec & BC where American liquor 🇺🇸 is no longer sold. One can only buy Canadian 🇨🇦 whiskey from provincial liquor stores (no whiskeys technically called bourbon). Alberta and Saskatchewan still sell US liquor."

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the directive for the LCBO to remove American products from its shelves and catalogue, effectively preventing restaurants and retailers from restocking. Similarly, Quebec's Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) has ceased supplying American alcoholic beverages. British Columbia Premier David Eby went further, stating the province would specifically target "red-state liquor products" by stopping purchases from U.S. states led by Republican governors.

The ban has drawn criticism from U.S. industry leaders. Lawson Whiting, CEO of Brown-Forman, owner of Jack Daniel’s, called the move "worse than tariffs," as it entirely removes products from shelves. Chris Swonger, president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), described it as "misguided retaliation" that harms both American producers and Canadian businesses.

While provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan continue to sell U.S. liquor, the widespread provincial bans reflect a unified Canadian front against the tariffs. This action aims to pressure the U.S. to reconsider its trade policies, simultaneously fostering a "Buy Canadian" movement. The broader trade dispute, which includes U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, has prompted calls for increased support for domestic industries and a re-evaluation of interprovincial trade barriers within Canada.