In an escalating trade dispute, Brown-Forman, the maker of Jack Daniel's whiskey, has criticized Canadian provinces for eliminating U.S.-made alcohol from their stores, describing the move as "worse than tariffs." This action follows retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada against American goods, including alcohol, after the U.S. government enforced 25% levies on Canadian imports.
Jack Daniel's Condemns Canadian Provinces' Ban on U.S. Alcohol in Tariff Retaliation
Jack Daniel's Condemns Canadian Provinces' Ban on U.S. Alcohol in Tariff Retaliation
Jack Daniel's parent company slams Canadian provinces for removing U.S. liquor in response to trade tensions.
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has removed U.S. alcoholic beverages from its shelves in retaliation for U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. Brown-Forman CEO Lawson Whiting expressed his concerns over the issue, emphasizing that this action is "disproportionate" compared to the tariffs placed on Canadian goods. According to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, this decision affects nearly $1 billion in annual sales of U.S. alcohol, as the LCBO is responsible for wholesaling alcohol in Ontario.
Despite these setbacks, Whiting noted that Canada represents only a small fraction—approximately 1%—of Brown-Forman's global sales, indicating that the company can weather the storm. The LCBO has encouraged consumers to purchase domestically produced items, a shift many Canadians have already begun to embrace due to the ongoing trade tensions.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the U.S. tariffs, labeling them "very dumb" and suggesting they aim to undermine the Canadian economy. He further accused U.S. President Trump of eyeing Canada for potential annexation, a sentiment that has not gone unnoticed by Canadian officials.
As the ongoing trade conflict continues to unfold, the implications for the alcohol industry and broader economic relations between the U.S. and Canada remain to be seen. Brown-Forman also plans to monitor developments in Mexico, another market impacted by U.S. tariffs.
Despite these setbacks, Whiting noted that Canada represents only a small fraction—approximately 1%—of Brown-Forman's global sales, indicating that the company can weather the storm. The LCBO has encouraged consumers to purchase domestically produced items, a shift many Canadians have already begun to embrace due to the ongoing trade tensions.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the U.S. tariffs, labeling them "very dumb" and suggesting they aim to undermine the Canadian economy. He further accused U.S. President Trump of eyeing Canada for potential annexation, a sentiment that has not gone unnoticed by Canadian officials.
As the ongoing trade conflict continues to unfold, the implications for the alcohol industry and broader economic relations between the U.S. and Canada remain to be seen. Brown-Forman also plans to monitor developments in Mexico, another market impacted by U.S. tariffs.
