Ontario's LCBO Prepares to Restock U.S. Alcohol as Trade Deal Nears
Prime Minister Mark Carney asked provincial premiers to restore American wine and spirits to shelves as Canada and the United States work to finalize a tariff agreement before a midnight deadline.
Ontario's liquor control board is getting ready to bring American alcohol back to store shelves after more than a year of absence, as Canadian and U.S. negotiators race to finalize a trade deal that could avert new tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney asked provincial premiers during a Wednesday briefing to restock U.S. wine, beer, and spirits once an agreement is reached. The LCBO, which sold nearly one billion Canadian dollars worth of American products annually before pulling them in March 2025, has ceased all U.S. alcohol sales in response to President Trump's initial tariff actions. The provincial bans, implemented by eight of Canada's ten provinces, became a high-profile retaliatory measure that Trump cited as discriminatory when announcing fresh tariff threats. Restoring U.S. alcohol access has emerged as a key U.S. demand in the negotiations. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who ordered the removal of American products and previously said they would return only when a new trade deal is struck, has not commented publicly on the emerging agreement. A recent Pollara survey found that about 80 percent of Canadians in provinces with bans support the measure. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Carney told premiers they could blame him if they face backlash for restocking, and that provinces reserve the right to reimpose bans if Trump changes course. The tentative deal under negotiation would address multiple trade irritants, including steel and aluminum tariffs, with Trump having paused a threatened 50 percent tariff increase while talks continue.
How could this affect you
Traced by who's actually in the path of this — not everyone is.
Likely
If you work in U.S. spirits production or distribution
The LCBO purchased nearly $1 billion annually in American alcohol before the ban; restocking could reopen access to one of the world's largest government-controlled liquor retail markets, though consumer boycotts could limit recovery speed.
Direct
If you run a bar or restaurant in Ontario
The LCBO is the sole wholesaler for U.S. alcohol in the province; once restocking occurs, you could reorder American products through the LCBO catalogue after a 17-month gap, though consumer sentiment may affect demand.
Possible
If you're a Canadian consumer who switched to non-U.S. spirits
Polling shows 80 percent support for the ban in affected provinces; even if American products return, negative sentiment from the trade dispute and established new buying patterns could keep some shoppers away from U.S. brands.
Sources
Every claim here traces back to reporting you can read yourself.
