US alcohol pulled from Canada's shelves as Trump’s tariffs take effect
The LCBO removes US products off the shelves on the first day of the trade war instigated by Donald Trump's administration (Photo: Getty Images)
Canadian provinces have started removing American alcoholic beverages from store shelves in response to the 25% tariff imposed by the Trump administration, The Washington Post reports.
The trade conflict between the US and Canada has escalated, with several Canadian provinces retaliating against new tariffs by banning American liquor from government-run stores. Lawson Whiting, CEO of Jack Daniel’s producer Brown-Forman, called the move “worse than a tariff.”
“It’s literally taking your sales away,” Whiting said during an earnings call. “Completely removing our products from the shelves is a very disproportionate response to a 25% tariff.”
On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 25% tariffs on approximately $107 billion worth of US goods, including beer, wine, and spirits. The decision follows rising tensions after Trump suggested Canada should become part of the US, sparking outrage among Canadian officials.
Toronto: LCBO removes American wine from shelves (Photo: Getty Images)
Canadian provinces push back
Several provinces, including Manitoba, Ontario, and British Columbia, have already taken action. Manitoba’s Premier Wab Kinew posted a viral video signing an order to remove US alcohol, mimicking Trump’s tone: “This order, it’s a wonderful order, it’s a beautiful order.” The clip quickly gained over 6 million views.
Ontario, a key market for Kentucky bourbon, also moved to cut American liquor. Premier Doug Ford stated bluntly: “They’re done, they’re gone.” The bourbon industry in Kentucky, worth $9 billion, employs over 23,000 people, making the impact of Canada’s countermeasures particularly significant.
Meanwhile, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has opposed Trump’s tariffs, warning they will be “incredibly difficult and challenging” for local businesses. Industry leaders fear long-term job losses, with the Distilled Spirits Council estimating that 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports could cost the US over 31,000 jobs.
Despite the growing trade war, Trudeau has firmly rejected any notion of Canada joining the US, reinforcing the country’s economic and political independence.
