Canadian liquor stores could soon see a return of American alcohol products after provincial bans were imposed in response to the trade dispute with the U.S. President. Some political figures and consumers express reluctance towards welcoming back U.S. goods with open arms.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston revealed that Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged provinces to lift the bans on American liquor sales. Kinew mentioned that Carney emphasized the importance of this request to the first ministers, suggesting that progress in Canada-U.S. trade negotiations might be linked to resolving the alcohol issue.
“The prime minister made it clear that he wants us to reintroduce American alcohol on the shelves,” Kinew informed reporters on Thursday. “He wasn’t exactly pleading with us, but he was close to it.”
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette indicated a potential lifting of the ban in her province once the economic impact of the new trade terms between Canada and the U.S. is thoroughly assessed.
“We must consider the overall impact on Quebec’s economy,” she stated in an interview with CBC News. “If the outcome is positive, reintroducing American alcohol at SAQ could be a possibility.”
A representative from SAQ mentioned that American alcohol is currently stored in facilities in Montreal and Quebec City and reintroducing these products to store shelves might require some time.
Support Canadian Products, Urges Kinew
Kinew advised consumers to continue prioritizing Canadian products even if American alternatives become available again. He highlighted that his province has not yet agreed to resume the sale of American alcohol.
Yukon’s government announced plans for a gradual reintroduction of U.S.-made alcohol brands in stores in the territory, contingent on reaching a trade agreement.
The bans imposed by provinces on American alcohol sales have served as a significant bargaining chip for Canada throughout the trade discussions.
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U.S. booze might end up back on Canadian shelves, but have we lost the taste for it?
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Sask. still has American alcohol for sale, but fewer people are buying it
According to the White House, the restrictions imposed by provinces and territories on U.S. alcohol have negatively impacted American businesses, workers, and commerce, citing unfair treatment.
In a recent statement, the Trump administration disclosed that Canadian imports of U.S. alcoholic beverages have decreased by approximately 81% year-over-year, falling from $718 million US to $137 million US for the period of March 2025 to February 2026.
This decline has been particularly felt in states like California and Kentucky, renowned for their wine and whisky industries, respectively.
“Canada is Kentucky’s top trading partner,” emphasized Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear in an interview with CBC News, underscoring the economic repercussions of the ban on Kentucky bourbon.
Consumer Sentiments on American Alcohol
Opinions among Canadian consumers regarding the reintroduction of American alcohol vary. A survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute revealed that 48% of Canadians prefer to maintain the ban on American liquor in provincially controlled stores.
Residents like Ward Gross from St. John’s express reluctance to purchase American products if they return to shelves, emphasizing the quality of Canadian options.
Chris Lamar, another St. John’s resident