The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) has retained over $14 million worth of American alcohol in storage, unlike its New Brunswick counterpart that recently began selling off $3.4 million of such products. This inventory includes items specifically made in the U.S., excluding products like Budweiser brewed at the Oland Brewery in Halifax, which is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Coors, which has breweries in Canada.
Despite ongoing discussions, the NSLC has yet to make a decision regarding the disposal of the stockpiled American alcohol. The province continues to uphold non-tariff measures restricting the sale of American alcohol, a response to the trade tensions initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year.
In contrast, Quebec’s SAQ announced plans to dispose of approximately $300,000 worth of American alcohol, later opting to donate the products to charitable causes and use them for training purposes in the local hospitality industry.
This trade dispute has significantly impacted American alcohol producers, with exports to Canada plummeting by 85% in the second quarter of 2025, resulting in a decline in sales to below $10 million US. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States expressed concern over the situation, urging the U.S. President to facilitate tariff-free trade with key international markets to support the industry’s growth.
Meanwhile, the absence of American alcohol on NSLC shelves has benefitted local and Canadian producers, leading to increased sales of Nova Scotia spirits and wines. Sales of Canadian wine and whisky have also seen notable growth compared to the previous year.