Jamaican rum now stands out on the shelves of Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores, filling the spaces where U.S. products once were. This shift comes as the Ontario government retaliates against U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, potentially boosting sales for Jamaican and other Caribbean rum brands.
In response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, Ontario’s government has instructed the LCBO, a government-owned alcohol retailer, to halt all U.S. alcohol sales and imports immediately. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced several countermeasures, including the cessation of U.S. product purchases by the LCBO. Retail customers can no longer buy U.S. products on lcbo.com or the LCBO app, and wholesale customers, such as grocery stores, bars, and restaurants, are also unable to order U.S. products online.
A media release on the LCBO website states that U.S.-produced spirits, wine, cider, beer, ready-to-drink coolers/cocktails, and non-alcoholic products will no longer be available in retail stores or LCBO Convenience Outlets.
During a visit to an LCBO store, The Gleaner observed rum brands from Jamaica, Cuba, Guyana, Brazil, and other countries. Notices in areas where U.S. products once stood read: “For the good of Ontario. For the good of Canada. In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, products produced in the U.S. are no longer available until further notice. Looking for an alternative? Ask our team about our extensive range of Ontario- and Canada-made products.”
An employee mentioned that U.S. products were removed from shelves on Tuesday night, leaving Caribbean rum brands as the primary stock.
“Our in-store teams can help customers find alternative products from our extensive selection of products from Ontario, Canada, and around the world,” states the LCBO.
The LCBO website notes that it is the importer of record for all U.S. alcohol products into Ontario, with annual sales reaching up to $965 million. Currently, more than 3,600 products from 35 U.S. states are listed, but U.S. products will not be purchased by the LCBO until directed to resume normal business.
- Neil Armstrong
WOW the world is on edge as the new president called the shots around the world other countries are under pressure and have to turn to alternative means. Only one causing this change. We will see..
For the world to see changes everyone is on edge
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