Ontario enterprises are expressing varied responses to the latest U.S. tariffs and a Canadian alcohol ban signed on Tuesday by U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a deeper escalation in the ongoing trade dispute. Cal Bricker, president and CEO of Spirits Canada, noted that the restrictions place immense pressure on an already vulnerable sector, given that approximately half of the $2 billion in annual Canadian spirits production is exported to the United States. Trump’s proclamations introduce a ban effective September 29 on Canadian imports including alcohol, motorcycles, molasses, and whey products, alongside 50 per cent levies starting next week on items such as aluminum, specific dairy goods, paper, wood, furniture, and mattresses. Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on billions in American goods had already come into force earlier that Tuesday after previous trade negotiations collapsed. While Daniel Tisch of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce called for mutual de-escalation, he also framed the situation as a chance to strengthen domestic industry and local economic stability. Aaron Dobbin of Wine Growers Ontario mentioned that the U.S. alcohol ban was anticipated following August tariffs, and while it strains relationships with American distributors, the U.S. market is not primary for their sector. Instead, local wineries have benefited from a surge in domestic consumer support and increased domestic tourism since the Ontario government directed the LCBO to halt sales of U.S. products in March 2025. Conversely, David Paul Vella, founder of Crown Cookware in Etobicoke, described the newest tariffs as a devastating blow that has wiped out 40 per cent of his commercial U.S. sales due to existing 50 per cent aluminum levies. Vella stated that plans for a U.S. branch plant are currently on hold as the business explores alternative aluminum suppliers in the Middle East, though he hopes to weather the storm without relocating operations.
Source: cbc.ca
