U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his trade war with Canada, announcing 50 per cent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, from wine and hockey sticks to cement and dairy products. The new rates will take effect in 30 days.

The White House claims the increase, imposed under a rarely used provision of the Tariff Act, is in retaliation for Canada’s “discrimination against and unreasonable and unequal treatment of U.S. commerce.” It points specifically to Ontario and Québec restrictions on American alcohol sales.

Those provincial restrictions are part of a massive boycott of alcoholic beverages. Eleven provinces and territories have avoided importing U.S. alcohol for the past 16 months. Most cleared out their existing stock last year, though Ontario and Québec still hold about $96 million worth.

Trump’s tariff announcement makes this an opportune time for those two provinces to put their existing inventories back on the shelves while maintaining their import bans. That would offer a diplomatic gesture to U.S. officials while saving provincial taxpayers millions of dollars.

Canada’s premiers are meeting this week in Prince Edward Island to discuss the country’s biggest challenges. Their discussions will likely include the alcohol standoff.

United in theory, divided in practice

The booze ban began in February 2025 in response to Trump’s initial tariffs on Canadian goods. All 13 provincial and territorial governments ordered their liquor........

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