The Indicator from Planet Money · Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Eight Canadian provinces have independently decided to stop stocking Kentucky bourbon in their liquor stores as a retaliatory measure against U.S. tariffs. This action highlights a targeted consumer-level response to the broader trade dispute, with provinces asserting their control over alcohol purchases to express anger towards the U.S. administration.
“I mean, I understand bourbon is also a flash point in this round of, uh, trade disputes.”
“Well, it is. And that really gets to Canada's counter tariffs cutting narrow but deep.”
“Eight of our 10 provinces have decided on their own, yeah, we're mad at what's happening. We're angry. What can we do to get back at the Trump White House?”
“We control our booze purchases. So we are not going to stock that in provincially controlled stores anymore.”