In the past, Bill Easton had a routine of shipping cases of Syrah to Montreal every six weeks from his winery in California’s Sierra Foothills. However, this regular process was disrupted when Quebec ceased selling American alcohol last spring. Now, Easton incurs a monthly cost of $1,200 to store his wine in a temperature-controlled facility for an additional month.
“We have wine specifically labeled for the Quebec market, stored in a warehouse awaiting sale,” said Easton, the owner of Terre Rouge Wines in Plymouth, Calif.
The ban on U.S. alcohol by Canadian provinces has become a focal point in trade discussions as provincial leaders deliberate on whether to reintroduce American alcohol to appease the White House. Winemakers and industry groups express their dismay at becoming pawns in an international trade conflict.
Easton remarked, “I feel like we are being manipulated as part of these negotiations. I fail to comprehend why we are entangled in this tariff dispute with Canada.”
“We are simply farmers and winemakers selling our products to customers who appreciate our craft,” he added.
Provincial Leaders Reconsidering U.S. Alcohol Ban
Most Canadian provinces halted the distribution of U.S. alcohol products early last year in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Recently, Prime Minister Mark Carney urged provinces to reassess this decision in hopes of preventing new American tariffs on $29 billion worth of Canadian goods. Â
While some premiers indicated willingness to comply if satisfied with the terms, others hesitated, demanding more details before committing. One leader expressed concerns about relinquishing leverage in a volatile trade scenario.
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‘A bad taste left in my mouth’: Will Canadians buy U.S. booze again?
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If U.S. booze returns to shelves, ‘leave it there,’ Manitoba premier says
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew stated, “The American president is showing weakness. Despite his threats, I believe we could gain more by standing firm.” He expressed a willingness to lift