Ontario to ‘Indefinitely Stop’ Purchasing American Alcohol in Response to Trump’s Tariffs

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario, and the Premier of British Columbia are pulling American liquor — some of which from “red states” — from the shelves due to Trump tariffs. (Photo: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

CTV News reported on Sunday that the Canadian mega liquor store chain, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, is pulling all American liquor from its shelves in response to the tariffs on Canadian goods imposed by President Donald Trump. A spokesperson from the LCBO confirmed the move to CTV:

“As part of Ontario’s response strategy to the imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, the government of Ontario has directed (the) LCBO to indefinitely stop all sales of U.S. alcohol products in our stores and online and to stop wholesale sales of U.S. products to restaurants, bars, grocery and other retailers no later than February 4, 2025.”

This appears to be a broad, sweeping action across Canada encompassing multiple provinces.

The Office of the Premier of British Columbia additionally announced on Saturday that it would be banning American liquor from “red states” and remove “red-state brands” from public liquor stores. It’s easy to see this particularly affecting bourbon exports, which mostly come from Kentucky.

British Columbia Premier David Eby referred to President Donald Trump’s tariffs as “a complete betrayal of the historic bond” between the two countries, and a “declaration of economic war against a trusted ally.”

“As British Columbians, and as Canadians, we will stand strong and united in the face of this unprecedented attack,” The Premier concluded.

Understandably, the liquor industry is doing everything it can to mitigate the negative effects of a potential trade war with Canada.

On Saturday, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States issued a statement about the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, urging politicians to focus on “constructive dialogue” and avoid economic pain.

“The North American spirits sector is highly interconnected,” the statement read. “Many companies own brands in all three countries, contributing positively to local economies. Certain spirits, such as Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, Tequila and Canadian Whisky are recognized as distinctive products and can only be produced in their designated countries. Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey can only be made in the U.S., Tequila in Mexico, and Canadian Whisky in Canada. The imposition of a tariff not only negatively impacts trading partners, but also harms domestic industries.”

Forbes reports that the Canadian government entity sells up to $965 million in American alcohol, and has a diverse portfolio of over 3,600 American liquor brands available to thirsty Canadians.

USA Today reported that multiple leaders of Canada’s provinces, including Premier Doug Ford of Ontario, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, all agreed to ban American liquor.

“Trump’s tariff tax is an attack on Canadians,” Premier Wab Kinew announced in a news release. “We support the federal response to these tariffs, and here in Manitoba we’re stopping the sale of American products at Manitoba liquor marts.”

The American President’s Saturday actions of imposing 25% tariffs against Canada and Mexico, and a 10 percent tariff against China have sent economic shockwaves throughout the world. ABC News reported on Monday the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 150 points, the S&P 500 dropped 0.7%, and the Nasdaq dropped by 1%.

The President temporarily halted tariffs on Mexico for a month after Mexico claimed on Monday that it would reinforce its northern border with 10,000 National Guard troops, according to Reuters.

CTV News reported that Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford called President Trump’s actions “unfair and frankly, illegal.”

“This is going to hurt Americans. It’s going to hurt Canadians. We’re going to see inflation happening down in the U.S. and Canada, and it’s unjustified.”

Yet according to AP News, the American President seems nonplussed:

“If they want to play the game, I don’t mind,” Trump said on Sunday. “We can play the game all they want.”

The President took to X to share his thoughts — in all capitals — with the public:

“WILL THERE BE SOME PAIN? YES, MAYBE (AND MAYBE NOT!) BUT WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AND IT WILL ALL BE WORTH THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID.”

Needless to say, the whole world is watching.