Ontario alcohol industry braces for U.S. import ban

9/10/2026

Ontario alcohol producers brace for U.S. import bans after LCBO gains See how tariffs could hit exports and reshape Canada’s beer, wine, and spirits market

Ontario alcohol producers are preparing for the impact of a new U.S. ban on Canadian beer, wine, spirits, and other alcohol imports, following earlier gains from Ontario’s decision to remove American alcohol from LCBO shelves. U.S. President Donald Trump signed five executive orders late Tuesday that expanded trade measures and imposed import bans on Canadianmade alcoholic beverages, cheese, and some dairy products. The White House said the move was retaliation for Canada’s countertariffs. The shift comes after Ontario makers saw sales rise during the earlier ban on U.S. alcohol in the province. Finance officials said Ontariomade alcohol sales increased about 22 per cent in the spring of 2026, with craft products and VQA wines posting even larger gains. Industry groups now say the new U.S. restrictions could hurt exports, especially Canadian spirits, which send about $1 billion in product to the U.S. each year.