U.S. booze ban hits Canadian producers

A new U.S. import ban has cut some Canadian alcohol products off from the American market, adding pressure to producers already affected by the trade dispute. The move took effect Tuesday and also covers other goods such as dairy byproducts, motorcycles and molasses. For British Columbia distilleries like Sons of Vancouver, the change removes access to a market that had been important for expansion, even if U.S. sales were a relatively small share of overall revenue. Trade experts say smaller breweries, distilleries and vineyards are likely to feel the biggest impact, while larger companies with crossborder operations may be better able to absorb the disruption. The dispute has made alcohol a central symbol in the wider CanadaU.S. trade fight. Canadian provincial liquor boards pulled many U.S. products from shelves earlier in the conflict, and U.S. tariffs and restrictions have since reduced trade in both directions. Industry figures say the U.S. remains the main export destination for Canadian spirits, and the latest restrictions could further strain producers that depend on that market. Some winemakers and distillers are now calling for more support as they adjust to the loss of sales south of the border.