Quebec Premier open to U.S. wine imports pending trade gains

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has expressed openness to allowing American wines to return to the shelves of the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), provided that trade concessions are made by the United States.

Fréchette indicated that such a move would be contingent on reducing tariff barriers for vital Quebec industries, including the forestry, aluminum, and manufacturing sectors, which have been negatively impacted by the Trump administration's trade policies. The Premier emphasized that certain issues, such as the protection of Quebec's culture, language, and the supply management system, remain non-negotiable in any negotiations.

The announcement comes as a new series of 50 percent tariffs on various Canadian products is scheduled to take effect on August 19. Unlike previous measures, these tariffs reportedly offer no exemptions for goods covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).