Saskatchewan Brewers and Distillers Support 50 Per Cent Levy on Alcohol Imports from the United States of America

CANADA, September 1 - Released on September 1, 2026

Since its announcement last week, several Saskatchewan brewers and distillers have voiced their support for a 50 per cent levy on alcohol imported from the United States of America (USA), in response to the 50 per cent tariff on Canadian alcohol the USA enacted on August 22nd.

"From an industry perspective, it has been encouraging to see the steadfast supportive and united leadership from our provincial and federal governments as our country navigates trade volatility," 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Co Ltd. CEO Shawn Moen said. "Measures like this reflect existing consumer preferences for locally made products, sends a message of reciprocity to our American trading partners, and focuses our efforts on the things that we do control in Saskatchewan - building our local economy and encouraging internal trade."

"I like the fact that our Premier and the Saskatchewan government are leaving it up to the consumer to make the decision and the government's not making it for them," Sherwood Co-op CEO Troy Verboom said. "It is going to drive those prices up on the retail shelf and the consumer can once again make the decision."

"The Premier's announcement today is incredibly exciting news for the Saskatchewan Craft alcohol industry," Last Mountain Distillery CEO Meredith Smidt said. "As a proud and accomplished whisky maker, we hope this announcement encourages more Saskatchewan people to try some of the amazing products made right here in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan makes some of the highest quality alcohols from Saskatchewan grains and I think this new tariff will really encourage people to choose local products when they are shopping for their next spirit. We look forward to sharing more of the high-quality Saskatchewan products we make with people as they seek alternatives to American made spirits." 

"We appreciate Premier Moe's support for a focused, Team Canada response," Black Fox Farm & Distillery said in a statement. "No one wins from a trade war, and ultimately, we all want to return to free and fair trade. But when Canadian businesses and the public are being asked to weather the consequences of tariffs, it is equally important that we stand behind the businesses, farmers and manufacturers producing exceptional products here at home. Saskatchewan is an exporting province by nature. We have always looked outward for strong, enduring and reciprocal partnerships. Saskatchewan produces world-class products, and this is an opportunity to make it easier for Canadians to choose Canadian. Perhaps the strongest response is not only what we tariff - it's what we choose to support at home."

"The tariff applied to US produced alcohol should give consumers another reflection point when choosing what alcohol they purchase," Great Western Brewing Company CEO Micheal Brennan said. "This may give consumers of American made wine and spirits a reason to return to beer a product that uses an important Western Canadian ingredient - Barley. While the majority of beer sold in this province is produced in Canada, the largest producers of beer, are not in fact Canadian companies and the profits from their sale do not stay in Canada. I would hope this decision provides further reason for consumers to choose to support products that are produced in this province, and whose profits from operations are reinvested in Saskatchewan, such as the beers made by Great Western Brewing Company."

The 50 per cent levy will apply to U.S.-origin alcohol imported into Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority online ordering system used by retailers will be updated to reflect this change effective September 8th. Any United States produced alcohol ordered by retailers as of that date will be subject to the 50 per cent levy. 

The Government of Saskatchewan continues to advocate for the removal of tariffs and other trade barriers affecting Saskatchewan exports and supports a negotiated resolution that protects Saskatchewan jobs and strengthens the Canada-U.S. trading relationship.

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