Following tensions in US-Canada trade relations, Canadian stores began removing US products from their shelves. This includes the LCBO liquor store chain as well as a number of other stores and restaurants in the city of Ontario, which started to forgo US products. This situation is said to express the disdain of Canadian consumers towards US products. Canada changed the name of "Americano" coffee to "Canadiano".
According to Ontario Governor Doug Ford, in response to the wide-ranging tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on Canadian products, the Alcohol Control Board of Ontario is removing more than 3600 products originating from America as the "first phase of retaliation"..
"As the exclusive wholesale seller, American brands will no longer be available in the LCBO assortment, and other retail sellers, bars, and restaurants in the province can no longer keep American products," Ford said to journalists Tuesday afternoon.
“This is a major blow for American manufacturers. "Every year, the LCBO used to purchase close to 1 billion dollars worth of wine, beer, cider, and spirits from the US, including over 3600 products from 35 states," Ford said.
"Canada and Ontario did not start this trade war first, like President Trump did, but the Canadian team is ready to win it," said the leader of Ontario.
Previously, following the new import tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on products from Canada, Mexico, and China, the Canadian government announced tariffs of 25 percent against US products.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled these measures as "fair", stressing that US tariffs are "unfounded". He also warned that this could lead to increased prices for essential products for US consumers, disrupt trade relations, and result in job losses.
Experts emphasize that this economic tension could negatively impact both the Canadian and US economies, leading to price increases and slowed economic growth.
Trump, however, emphasizes that if Canada wants to trade without these tariffs, it should join the US, and if Canada raises tariffs in response, the US will increase them too.
Canadian leader Justin Trudeau has stated that Canada will never become a part of the US.
Abdulloh Sayyid
