The Premier of Manitoba has expressed his tentative willingness to reintroduce American liquor into the market as part of a potential trade agreement, with a caveat – advising against purchasing it.
Negotiations are underway between Canadian and U.S. officials to reach a pact that would prevent new U.S. tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team discussed the potential deal with his cabinet and provincial leaders on Wednesday.
Premier Kinew revealed that Carney urged the provinces to bring back American alcohol to stores, yet Manitoba has not consented to this proposal.
Even if American products are reintroduced to Liquor Marts as part of a trade agreement, Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the power to “leave it there” and opt for Canadian alternatives.
During a news conference, Kinew urged consumers not to purchase American liquor to convey disapproval of President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
In 2025, Manitoba removed millions of dollars’ worth of U.S.-made alcohol in retaliation for tariffs imposed by Trump on Canadian goods that did not comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew clarified that the province has not agreed to reintroduce American alcohol to its shelves. However, if such a move is made as part of a trade agreement, he encourages Canadians to refrain from purchasing it.
Manitobans eagerly lined up to purchase American liquor for a limited time in December, after the province placed some of its stock back on shelves before Christmas and donated $2.6 million from sales to holiday charities.
Anticipated to expire this fall, American wines and liqueurs were also sold at Liquor Marts in May, despite local preferences leading to a nearly $21 million increase in year-over-year sales at the province’s Liquor Marts, as reported in June.