Private shops are experiencing a surge in American spirits under the U.S. liquor prohibition.
At least one American product seems to have gained popularity as Canada fights back against American tariff and annexation threats: alcohol.
In reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s increasing tariffs and repeated threats to declare Canada the 51st state, the government of British Columbia has removed all American alcohol from BC Liquor Store shelves.
However,private liquor retailers are still allowed to sell off their remaining inventory in British Columbia,and some claim to be experiencing a surge in business.
Darryl Lamb,brand manager at Legacy Liquor Store in Vancouver,stated,”We are getting a lot of sales,American whisky sales are on fire right now,a lot of people picking up what they can while they can.”
“As you can see, we are not refilling,so holes are beginning to form on the shelves.”
The demand for alcohol has been really high,but it hasn’t been as evident for other things.
Ashok Fogla and other importers are concerned about that. He imports small-batch craft beer from the United States through his company,True Craft Beverages.
Fogla stated that a significant amount of the $250,000 worth of stock he is holding might be wasted because the stuff has a shelf life and sales through government retailers have been stopped.
We are certain to damage roughly $10,000 worth of stuff by the end of this month if this trade war drags on for another two,three,or four months. Another $10,000 to $20,000 will be destroyed next month,”he claimed.
“What are we to blame? We are caught in the crossfire despite being a Canadian firm operated by Canadians.
To get rid of as much of his inventory as possible,Fogla is relying on sales through private boutiques,but he is concerned that his company might fail.
With tight relations between Canada and the United States and new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowing to fight back against any tariff escalation, it is uncertain how long the prohibition on U.S. booze may persist.
Trump has already levied import taxes of 25% on all aluminum and steel.
Additionally,he levied 25% and 10% tariffs on Canadian goods and energy,respectively. However,he later exempted CUSMA-compliant trade, including car parts, from his duties until April 2.
On April 2,he has also threatened to impose further taxes on dairy and lumber.