Canadian liquor stores may soon reintroduce American alcohol products following a series of bans imposed by provincial retailers in response to the trade conflict initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Some politicians and consumers are hesitant to embrace U.S. products at this time.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, along with Prime Minister Mark Carney, have urged provinces to lift the restrictions on American liquor sales. Kinew described Carney as strongly urging the first ministers to comply with this request, noting that the progress of a Canada-U.S. trade agreement may depend on resolving the alcohol issue.
“The prime minister expressed his desire for us to reinstate the sale of American alcohol,” Kinew stated during a press briefing. “I wouldn’t say he was pleading with us, but he was certainly very insistent.”
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette mentioned that potentially reversing the ban in her province is under consideration, pending a thorough evaluation of how the new trade terms between Canada and the U.S. would impact Quebec’s economy.
“We need to take a comprehensive approach and assess the overall economic impact on Quebec,” she explained to CBC News. “If the outcome is positive, there is a chance that we may reintroduce American alcohol at SAQ stores.”
According to a media spokesperson from SAQ, American alcohol products are currently stored in warehouses in Montreal and Quebec City, and the process of restocking these items on store shelves may require some time.
Support Canadian Products, Urges Kinew
Kinew advised consumers to continue prioritizing Canadian products, even if American alcohol becomes available again. He emphasized that his province has not yet committed to resuming the sale of American liquor.
Yukon’s government indicated that residents can anticipate a gradual reintroduction of U.S.-made alcohol brands in stores over the next few weeks, contingent on reaching a trade agreement.
The restrictions on American alcohol sales by provinces have been a significant bargaining chip for Canada throughout the trade negotiations.
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Sask. still has American alcohol for sale, but fewer people are buying it
As per the White House, American industries, workers, and commerce have suffered due to what they describe as “unreasonable and discriminatory restrictions” imposed by Canadian provinces on U.S. alcoholic beverages.
Last month, the Trump administration reported that Canadian imports of U.S. alcoholic drinks declined by approximately 81% year over year, decreasing to $137 million US from March 2025 to February 2026, compared to $718 million US in the same period a year earlier.
States like California and Kentucky, famous for their wine and whisky respectively, have been particularly impacted by the trade tensions.
“Canada is Kentucky’s top trading partner,” noted Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in an interview with CBC News. “They have been a reliable trading partner. However, due to the strained relations initiated by President Trump, they removed Kentucky bourbon from their shelves, adversely affecting our economy. Every Canadian deserves access to high-quality Kentucky bourbon.”
Consumer Sentiment: ‘Plenty of Quality Alcohol Available in Canada’
Consumer opinions across Canada vary regarding the potential return of
