British Columbia Premier David Eby says the province will keep U.S. alcohol off the shelves at government-run liquor stores, even after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of 50 per cent on a broad range of Canadian exports. Eby signalled there would be no reversal of the province’s current position.
The dispute adds to growing cross-border trade tensions, with B.C. maintaining its ban on American alcohol products as the United States moves ahead with steep new duties. The premier’s comments make clear that the province does not intend to ease its response in the face of escalating economic pressure.
At the centre of the issue is whether British Columbia would reconsider restrictions on U.S. liquor sales in provincial outlets. Eby’s answer was emphatic, indicating the province sees no reason to restore those products to government store shelves under the current circumstances.
The standoff highlights how tariff battles between Canada and the United States can quickly spill beyond major export sectors and into consumer-facing policies. For now, B.C.’s government-run liquor stores are set to remain free of U.S. alcohol as the broader trade conflict continues.
