Toronto, ON – September 9, 2026
Spirits Canada is very concerned by the United States’ decision to prohibit the importation of certain Canadian alcoholic beverages, effective September 29, 2026.
The September 8 U.S. proclamation makes clear that this action is directly connected to the continued removal and restriction of U.S. alcohol beverages from provincial markets in Canada. Canadian provinces were among the first governments to remove U.S. alcohol products from retail shelves in response to the broader Canada-U.S. trade dispute, and the U.S. Administration has now responded by escalating its measures against Canadian alcohol beverages.
The consequences for Canada’s spirits sector could be significant.
The United States is by far Canada’s most important export market for spirits. Approximately 50 percent of Canadian spirits production is tied to demand in the United States, and in 2025, approximately 93 percent of Canada’s total spirits export value was destined for the U.S. market.
This leaves Canadian producers with limited ability to replace lost U.S. demand in the near term.
Spirits Canada strongly encourages the Government of Canada, provincial governments and the U.S. Administration to return to the negotiating table and work urgently toward a solution before the September 29 implementation date.
The current trajectory of escalation puts Canadian producers, American businesses and consumers, at risk. Canadian and American spirits producers have spent decades building commercial relationships and integrated supply chains that support businesses and workers on both sides of the border.
Our priority is clear: governments must find a path forward that prevents further escalation, restores stable and predictable market access, and protects the businesses and workers who depend on the Canada-U.S. spirits trade.
Spirits Canada will continue working with governments and industry partners to communicate the significant economic consequences of this measure and advocate for a resolution before the import prohibition takes effect.
Quick Facts:
- Canada produces nearly $2 billion in spirits annually.
- Approximately 50 percent of Canadian spirits production is tied to demand in the United States, leaving limited alternatives for replacing that demand in the near term.
- In 2025, Canada exported $948.6 million in spirits to the United States, representing approximately 93 percent of Canada’s total spirits export value.
- Only approximately 7 percent of Canadian spirits exports currently go to markets outside the United States.
- The Canadian spirits sector contributes approximately $5.8 billion to Canada’s GDP.
- The industry supports nearly 48,800 full-time equivalent jobs across Canada.
- The sector generates more than $2.66 billion annually in government tax revenues.
Relevant Links
- Excluding Certain Canadian Products from Importation Into the United States in Response to Continued Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States with Respect to Alcoholic Beverages
- Annex
- Spirits Canada Calls for Urgent Negotiated Resolution Following U.S. Tariff Announcement on Canadian Spirits
- Economic Impact of Distilled Spirits in Canada
- Spirits Canada: Removal of U.S. Spirits from Canadian Stores in Retaliation to U.S. Trade Dispute Resulted in Sharp Sales Decline of U.S. Products, Canadian Products and Total Spirits Sales
About Spirits Canada
Spirits Canada is the national trade association representing Canadian spirits manufacturers, marketers and exporters. The Canadian spirits sector contributes approximately $5.8 billion in value-added GDP to the Canadian economy, supports nearly 48,800 full-time equivalent jobs, and generates more than $2.66 billion in government tax revenues annually.
Media Contact
Via Dulay
Director, Communications
Spirits Canada
via.dulay@acd.ca
