The Quebec liquor board may be forced to destroy $300,000 worth of American alcohol due to a government-imposed ban in response to U.S. tariffs. These products, primarily rosé, boxed wines, and certain ready-to-drink cocktails and beers, have been in storage since March. Despite previous assurances of retained value, the liquor board indicates that products nearing expiration may need to be discarded if guidelines aren’t adjusted. While this represents a small portion of the $27 million in stored American products, the fate of the remaining stock remains uncertain, awaiting government decisions.
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Contrary to recent media reports, Saudi Arabia will not permit alcohol sales during the 2034 World Cup. A government official confirmed that existing laws prohibiting alcohol will remain in effect. These reports suggested that alcohol sales in select venues were under consideration to boost tourism and economic diversification. However, the kingdom’s adherence to Sharia law maintains a strict alcohol ban for all residents.
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In response to President Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, Newfoundland and Labrador will remove American alcohol products from its liquor stores by Tuesday. This action follows similar retaliatory measures taken by Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia. Premier Andrew Furey announced the removal via social media. The tariffs are set to take effect on Tuesday.
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In response to President Trump’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced a ban on the sale of all U.S. alcohol products in the province, resulting in an estimated $80 million annual loss for the U.S. economy. This action, fully supporting the federal government’s retaliatory tariffs, is viewed as a necessary response to an economic threat and a challenge to Canadian sovereignty. The province plans to unveil further support for affected businesses and workers next week, with additional economic diversification measures detailed in the upcoming spring budget. Kinew emphasized that while targeting the U.S. government, Manitoba maintains positive relations with the American people.
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In response to new American customs tariffs, Quebec’s Ministry of Finance has directed the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) to remove all American alcoholic products from its stores and distribution network by Tuesday. This action, described as a retaliatory measure, will affect restaurants, bars, and grocery stores across the province. While a complete removal may take several days, the Ministry assures consumers that the impact will be limited due to the availability of alternatives. The SAQ’s 2023 report indicates that American still wines comprised only 6.8% of the market share.
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John Q. Hosedrinker