American Whiskey Pays Price for Canada Trade Rift

US spirits exports to Canada plummeted 70% between March and December 2025 as provinces removed American alcohol from shelves. This decline follows the collapse of a trade deal, leading the US to plan 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods. Canada's prime minister pledged to match these tariffs dollar for dollar. American Whiskey Association CEO Michael Bilello emphasizes that producers must now restore market access and rebuild consumer demand after prolonged trade tensions.