Canada-U.S. trade talks: Carney asks provinces to restore U.S. alcohol sales

Canada-U.S. trade negotiations American alcohol restrictions import tariffs provincial liquor stores trade agreement

Prime Minister Mark Carney has requested that Canadian provincial premiers restore American-made wine, beer, and spirits to store shelves as Canada and the United States finalize a new trade agreement. The move aims to address a major grievance from the Trump administration, which has cited the removal of U.S. alcohol from government-controlled liquor stores as a discriminatory practice.

While Alberta and Saskatchewan have maintained access to U.S. alcohol, most other provinces implemented bans following previous tariff disputes. While some leaders, such as Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, expressed optimism about the trade deal, others remain cautious. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette stated that negotiations are ‘far from over’ and indicated that Quebec would decide independently whether to return American products to its SAQ retail outlets.

The potential agreement seeks to avert a scheduled 50 percent tariff on a wide range of Canadian exports. Negotiators are working to finalize terms that protect key Canadian sectors, including dairy, forestry, steel, and automotive industries, while addressing U.S. concerns regarding market access and procurement policies.