Winemaker Bill Easton used to have a routine shipment schedule for his Syrah wine to Montreal from his winery in the Sierra Foothills of northern California. However, this changed when Quebec stopped selling American alcohol last spring. Now, Easton pays monthly storage fees to keep his wine in a controlled environment.
Easton expressed frustration at being caught in the middle of international trade disputes, feeling like a pawn in negotiations. Canadian provinces halted U.S. alcohol distribution due to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Mark Carney urged provinces to reconsider to prevent new tariffs on Canadian goods.
Some provincial leaders are open to reintroducing U.S. alcohol but seek favorable terms. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew criticized Trump’s tactics and questioned the reliability of any deal. The U.S. government has voiced concerns over the ban affecting sales of American wines and spirits in Canada.
The Oregon Wine Growers Association hopes for a long-term resolution to rebuild trust with Canadian buyers. Canadians’ preferences have shifted towards local brands, leading some companies to relocate their production to Canada. Trade data shows a significant decline in U.S. alcohol exports to Canada.
Industry stakeholders emphasize the need for a negotiated solution to resume trade. Easton, like many others, hopes for a return to normalcy but remains cautious until formal agreements are reached.
