Overview

• On March 4, the Quebec government ordered the SAQ to clear U.S. alcohol from shelves in response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
• The SAQ is holding $27 million worth of American products purchased before the directive in storage.
• About $300,000 in short-shelf-life goods is at risk of disposal as items approach expiry unless provincial guidelines are revised, the agency says.
• Products most vulnerable include rosé and boxed wines, ready-to-drink cocktails, and certain beers and liqueurs not suited for long storage.
• Other provinces took parallel steps, with Ontario and Alberta halting purchases of all U.S. alcohol and British Columbia restricting products from states that backed Trump in 2024.