LCBO to stop selling US liquor in response to Trump tariffs

Ford emphasized the economic impact of the decision in a post on X, writing, “Every year, LCBO sells nearly $1 billion worth of American wine, beer, sprits and seltzers. Not anymore.”

He added, “Starting Tuesday, we’re removing American products from LCBO shelves. As the only wholesaler of alcohol in the province, LCBO will also remove American products from its catalogue so other Ontario-based restaurants and retailers can’t order or restock U.S. products.”

“As part of Ontario’s response strategy to the imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, the government of Ontario has directed (the) LCBO to indefinitely stop all sales of U.S. alcohol products in our stores and online and to stop wholesale sales of U.S. products to restaurants, bars, grocery and other retailers no later than February 4, 2025,” an LCBO spokesperson told CTV News.

British Columbia and Nova Scotia have also pledged to pull US-made liquor from government-run stores. BC Premier David Eby specifically called for the removal of American liquor from Republican-led states.

The trade dispute escalated after Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports and a 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy on Saturday. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs of 25 percent on $155 billion worth of US imports, including alcohol. Trudeau also pleaded with his people to boycott US goods and instead prioritize purchasing domestic products.

“If President Trump wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not to punish us,” Trudeau claimed.