Ontario has taken the dramatic step of withdrawing more than 3,600 alcohol products produced by the United States from its catalog in Ontario (LCBO).
Prime Minister Doug Ford describes this as the “first round of revenge” to the boycott against the latest group of customs tariffs targeting Canadian goods Donald Trump.
Since the exclusive wholesale dealer in the province, the LCBO decision actually cuts the main US brand supplies not only for the consumers of Ontario, but also to bars, restaurants and retailers who depend on LCBO shares. The agency's website has been temporarily captured to remove the American menus, although customers can still buy the current inventory at the store at the present time.
This step has a great weight: Ontario is one of the largest American alcohol buyers in the world, selling approximately 570 million pounds (965 million dollars) of wine, beer and apple juice every year. Ford indicated that these products will remain outside the shelves and in LCBO warehouses until the White House reflects its location.
The voices of the industry in the province appear widely supportive. The Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motion urges the local population to embrace local alternatives in solidarity. Meanwhile, the Ontario Crafts Association supports the ban, arguing that the customs tariff for steel and aluminum raises the costs of local wine, which endangers their competitiveness.
However, industrial groups such as Canada restaurants worry that the escalation of the trade war will lead to hurting hospitality that is already struggling with employment and cost pressures. Many have called on the government to reduce taxes and definitions to protect jobs and help maintain consumer prices at reasonable prices.
Ontario's position is not isolated: Many other provinces, including British Columbia and Kebbek, followed their own measures against the US drink imports. While the Trump administration insists that its tariff is needed to secure better commercial deals, critics indicate that both sides risk economic pain if tensions continue to install.