TORONTO — The Ontario government says it has no plans to return American liquor to LCBO shelves, despite pressure from U.S. distillers who warn the ongoing boycott is hurting both industries and limiting consumer choice.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States welcomed Ottawa’s decision earlier this month to drop a 25 per cent tariff on American spirits, calling it a “positive sign.” But its president, Chris Swonger, said the impact is negligible as long as provinces continue to block U.S. products from stores.
“The unfortunate decision to remove American spirits from Canadian retail shelves is not only harming U.S. distillers, but it’s also needlessly reducing revenues for the provinces, and placing unnecessary burdens on Canadian consumers and hospitality businesses,” Swonger said, urging Canadian governments to “raise a glass to toasts, not tariffs.”
U.S. distillers say Canada was their second-largest export market in 2024. But since the trade dispute with Washington escalated earlier this year, most provinces — except Alberta and Saskatchewan — have pulled U.S. alcohol from shelves. The LCBO stopped sales in March.
A spokesperson for Premier Doug Ford confirmed Tuesday that Ontario will not reverse its stance “until further notice.” Ford has long pushed for dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs, arguing that Ottawa’s softer approach leaves Canadian industries exposed.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney lifted all countertariffs on U.S. goods covered by the free-trade pact, even though many American tariffs remain in place. Ford said he spoke with Carney following the move, stressing the need for a deal that provides relief to sectors like steel, auto, forestry, and copper.
“If the federal government can’t achieve that,” Ford said, “they need to hit back hard against U.S. tariffs and provide additional supports for the workers and businesses in these sectors.”
For now, Ontario consumers hoping to find U.S. whiskey or bourbon at the LCBO will have to look elsewhere — the boycott remains firmly in place.