LDB Wholesale Operations Response to US Tariffs

LDB Wholesale Operations

Response to US Tariffs

Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,

As we come to terms with the reality of the trade war with the US, we expect to see details and information shared fast and furious. While we can't answer every question you have right away, rest assured we are working to get you answers as quickly as possible.

BC's response is in line with other provinces, including Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario, who are pulling some, or all, US liquor products from shelves.

Here's what you need to know:

Liquor Distribution Wholesale (LDB) has halted the importation of US liquor products manufactured in 'red' states.
Red states includes Kentucky, as the legislature is red, despite having a 'blue' governor.
Purchase orders placed prior to March 4, 2025, are not impacted.
Current inventory of US liquor products manufactured in red states will be available for purchase by licensees (from LDB Wholesale and third-party warehouses) until inventory sells out.
BC Liquor Stores (BCL) are pulling liquor products from red states off their shelves today.
Hospitality customers serviced by BCL can continue to purchase these products, while inventory lasts, even if they have been removed from BCL shelves for other customers.
US liquor products from non-red states will have the federal 25% tariff applied.

LDB Wholesale shared the below message with industry earlier today, outlining how the province will handle US liquor products for the foreseeable future.

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Read the memo from LDB Wholesale here:

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is taking action in support of the provincial and federal government response to the U.S. tariffs enacted on March 4, 2025.

Following the Government of B.C.’s directive announced on March 4, 2025, effective immediately, the LDB is halting the importation of U.S.-made liquor products manufactured in red states.

BCLIQUOR (BCL) stores are immediately halting the retail sale and removing from store shelves all U.S.-made liquor products manufactured in these states.

These impacted products will continue to be available for purchase through LDB wholesale distribution channels until existing inventory in British Columbia sells through.

This means private liquor stores, restaurants, bars and pubs will continue to be able to order impacted U.S.-made liquor products from existing inventory already in the province, while it lasts, including inventory in third-party warehouse.

U.S.-made liquor products from non-red states will be unaffected at this time and will continue to be imported and sold by the LDB.

However, as announced by the federal government on March 3, 2025, Canada will be applying a Tariff Surtax of 25 per cent on liquor products of U.S. origin. The LDB is reviewing Canada Border Service Agency guidelines and wholesale pricing updates to reflect the tariffs on impacted products will be communicated once details are confirmed.

A list of impacted U.S.-made liquor products manufactured in red states is available on the LDB Wholesale Operations website here. A list of Canadian-made liquor products is also available here.

Please share this notice with your membership and encourage them to visit the LDB Wholesale Operations website for the latest updates.

Thank you for understanding the need to support a united front in response to the U.S. tariffs.

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LIST OF CANADIAN PRODUCTS

LIST OF IMPACTED US-MADE PRODUCTS