US-produced alcohol is making its way back into Saskatchewan stores as the province has rescinded the earlier ban on beer and liquor products. The ban was put in place as a response to a 25 per cent steel and aluminum tariff on Canadian imports.
Now the ban is coming off, and the provincial government is sending out a statement to explain the decision:
"SLGA is resuming the purchase and distribution of US-produced beverage alcohol through its Distribution Centre and private liquor distributors in the province (effective June 9, 2025). The action will allow SLGA to sell existing inventories of US-produced products that have been paid for as well as resuming orders to bring in new stocks."
"This change gives Saskatchewan people the option to choose whether they want to buy these products or consider alternatives. We encourage supporting Saskatchewan and Canadian products whenever there is an option to do so. The Federal Government’s 25% tariff on US alcohol remains in place, and this added cost is expected to be a significant factor."
Some American beer brands were already available in Canada, so long as they were produced north of the border, but this change will mean American-made beers will return to shelves.
The change saw discontent from the Saskatchewan NDP, who point out the original tariff on steel and aluminum from the US actually increased to 50 per cent recently.
Critic for Trade & Export Development, Kim Breckner, voiced her disappointment with the ban coming off.
“The message it’s showing to the hardworking people down at EVRAZ, the steelworkers, people that are reliant on the industry, that they are not a priority. We can’t even keep up one countermeasure we had on U.S. tariffs.”
Breckner stated the only other province which had rescinded a retail stoppage for US products was Alberta and accused the province of simply copying Saskatchewan's western neighbour.