U.S. trade czar threatens Canada over boycott that’s hurting booze makers

1 hour ago 5
Buy Canadian sign at BC Liquor store from handout video. Premier David Eby announced on March 4, 2025 how the province will respond after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods.Liquor stores are regulated by provincial governments in Canada, and the federal government can’t force provinces to end the boycott. Photo by Handout/The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Article content

United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the U.S. might have to take action against Canada over its rejection of American wine and spirits.

Financial Post

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
  • Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
  • Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
  • National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
  • Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
  • Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
  • Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
  • National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
  • Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
  • Enjoy additional articles per month.
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
  • Enjoy additional articles per month
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

or

Article content

Several Canadian provinces pulled U.S.-made alcohol from stores last year after President Donald Trump started a trade war, costing makers of bourbon and other products millions of dollars in lost sales. The list includes alcohol distributors in Ontario and Quebec, which have about 60 per cent of Canada’s population.

Article content

Article content

Article content

The boycott was a source of bipartisan concern Wednesday at a U.S. Congressional hearing, with lawmakers from New York and California raising the issue with Greer.

Article content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

“There are two countries that have retaliated economically against the United States in the past year: the People’s Republic of China and Canada,” Greer said. “My sense is there may have to be an enforcement action to deal with this issue on wine and spirits in Canada.” He didn’t outline any specifics.

Article content

Liquor stores are regulated by provincial governments in Canada, and the federal government can’t force provinces to end the boycott. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has been an enthusiastic proponent of retaliating against U.S. tariffs, said he’s willing to relent on alcohol sales — once the U.S. backs down on the tariffs hurting his province’s economy.

Article content

“I’d do it in a heartbeat folks, but when he’s destroying our auto sector, putting in jeopardy tens of thousands of jobs,” Ontario can’t change its policy on U.S. alcohol, the premier said during an event hosted by the Globe and Mail newspaper.

Article content

Ford said he wants to see issues with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement resolved first.

Article content

“Once we get the deal done — which I’m confident, eventually, we’ll get it done — then we’ll bring back maybe California red wine, you can sit down and have a glass of wine. I’ll have my chocolate milk.”

Article content

—With assistance from Laura Dhillon Kane.

Article content

Loading...

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Article content

Read Entire Article