Shelves at a liquor store in Vancouver, Canada. Canadian provincial governments are backing the federal trade war effort against the United States, including by imposing 50% tariffs on American alcohol. [AP]
Shelves at a liquor store in Vancouver, Canada. Canadian provincial governments are backing the federal trade war effort against the United States, including by imposing 50% tariffs on American alcohol. [AP]

A Canadian provincial government has moved to impose steep tariffs on American alcohol, throwing its weight behind Ottawa in the country's escalating trade war with the United States.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced Wednesday (local time) at a news conference that the western province will impose a 50% tariff on American wines, beers and spirits starting Sept. 8, according to Reuters.

"Let's remember that the situation we find ourselves in is not because of Canada," Moe said. "Given the retaliatory tariffs currently in place, we need to protect ourselves." His remarks placed the blame for the two countries' deepening standoff squarely on Washington.

Moe said he supports Prime Minister Mark Carney's tariffs on American goods but stressed that trade with the United States would continue. He said the US would remain Saskatchewan's largest trading partner. The province, which produces grain, potassium and uranium, counts the United States as its top export market — as do most Canadian provinces.

Saskatchewan and Alberta are currently the only two provinces still selling American alcohol. Others have already pulled US products from their shelves. While Saskatchewan continues to stock American liquor, sales have plunged 40% in recent months amid the bilateral trade tensions.


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