Canadian sentiment against US goods remains strong, with US alcohol exports to Canada plummeting 62% in the first half of the year!

Due to the US's imposition of additional tariffs on Canadian goods, Canadian consumers have spontaneously boycotted US goods, with alcohol being one of the products most affected.

The Distilled Spirits Council of Canada, an industry group, estimates that US distilled spirits exports to Canada were $43.4 million in the first six months of this year, down approximately 62% from the same period in 2024. The organization also cited US trade data, reporting a 67% drop in US wine exports to Canada.

Ontario, Canada's most populous province, sells spirits and wine to residents through 688 stores operated by the Liquor Control Board. Last year, the Liquor Control Board sold over $700 million worth of US spirits and wine, but sales have now dropped to zero.

Mike Brisebois, who runs the digital magazine "Whisky Explorer," hosted a tasting in Canada in June. Based on guest recommendations, he only served Canadian, Irish, and Scotch whiskies. He stated that the current theme is a boycott of the US. Pessimistic Outlook

The Wine Institute, a trade organization representing California wineries, estimates that in the first six months of this year, American wineries lost over $173 million in exports to Canada. Based on 2024 data, Canada accounted for 35% of total U.S. wine exports, making it by far the industry's largest export destination.

Robert Cullins, CEO of the American spirits company Sagamore Spirit, revealed that earlier this year, approximately 10% of the company's sales went to Canada, but that has now dropped to zero. He expects the company to lose approximately $2 million in sales this year, a significant loss for small craft distilleries.

Robert Koch, CEO of the Wine Institute of Canada, noted that the removal of American alcohol from Canadian shelves not only caused market disruption but also represented a breakdown in the trust built over decades between the two countries, impacting farmers and businesses that rely on international markets.

On the other hand, Canadian winemakers have seen sales growth. A spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Finance stated that sales of domestic alcohol products in the province have increased by 14% since the boycott of American alcohol. He also highlighted that Ontario had revoked the right to sell American alcoholic beverages in response to US tariffs.

Some consumers are also taking advantage of the trade negotiations between Canada and the US to stock up on American alcoholic beverages. Jasmeen Grewal, owner of Platinum Winery in Alberta, said that since the province resumed alcohol purchases in June to improve the atmosphere of US-Canada trade negotiations, sales of American wine have surged by 30% and bourbon by 7%, leading people to worry that these alcoholic beverages may no longer be available.