CANADA STRIKES BACK: US ALCOHOL BANNED AS TRADE WAR ESCALATES

Over the weekend, Donald Trump confirmed that a 25% tariff will be imposed on goods from Mexico and Canada if he is re-elected. In response, Canadian provinces have swiftly moved to ban American alcohol from their government-controlled liquor stores.

Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford was among the first to react, threatening to remove all US-made alcohol from the province’s shelves if Trump followed through with his plans. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), which controls alcohol sales across the province, has now been officially directed to discontinue all American products.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on 2 February, Ford declared:

“Every year, LCBO sells nearly $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 US products from its catalogue, meaning restaurants and retailers won’t be able to restock them either.

“There’s never been a better time to choose an amazing Ontario-made or Canadian-made product. As always, please drink responsibly.”

US Alcohol Banned Across Ontario

The LCBO has confirmed that, as of 4 February, all US-made spirits, wine, beer, ready-to-drink cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages will be pulled from:

• Retail stores
• Online sales
• Convenience outlets
• Wholesale distribution to bars, restaurants, and other retailers

With annual sales of nearly $965 million worth of American alcohol, this ban represents a major financial blow to US producers. The LCBO, which currently stocks over 3,600 US-made products from 35 states, has been instructed to halt all purchases until further notice.

British Columbia and Nova Scotia Follow Suit

Ontario is not alone in its retaliation. British Columbia’s Premier, David Eby, has instructed the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to immediately stop purchasing alcohol from US ‘red states’—a politically targeted move aimed at key Republican regions.

“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,” Eby said.

Meanwhile, Nova Scotia’s Premier, Tim Houston, has also announced a ban on US alcohol, effective from 4 February.

In a public statement, he expressed deep disappointment in the situation:

“It’s remarkable to find ourselves at odds with our best friend and neighbour.

“We must ramp up our efforts to find new markets at home with initiatives like ‘Nova Scotia Loyal’, remove inter-provincial trade barriers, and pursue international diversification.

“No matter what, I will do everything I can to protect the interests of hard-working Nova Scotians and their families.”

A Brewing Trade War

With three major Canadian provinces cutting ties with US alcohol suppliers, this trade war is escalating fast. The federal government has yet to outline a national response, but pressure is mounting.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: Canada is prepared to fight back.