Jack Daniel’s liquor removed from Canadian shelves, seemingly in response to Trump’s tariffs and Trudeau’s reaction, sparking debate.
Canadian shops pull Jack Daniel’s from shelves amid tariff dispute
A viral video shows Canadian shopkeepers removing Jack Daniel’s whiskey from store shelves. The removal appears to be linked to recent tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump.
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has also taken US-made alcoholic beverages off its shelves. This move has sparked criticism from Brown-Forman, the maker of Jack Daniel’s.
Jack Daniel’s CEO criticizes Canada’s counter-tariffs
Jack Daniel's is being removed from shelves in canada
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Lawson Whiting, CEO of Brown-Forman, responded to the situation. He stated that the removal of Jack Daniel’s is worse than a tariff because it directly eliminates sales.
“I mean, that’s worse than a tariff, because it’s literally taking your sales away, completely removing our products from the shelves.” Whiting said during a financial earnings call.
Whiting called Canada’s counter-tariffs “disproportionate.” However, he noted that Canada accounts for only one percent of the company’s total sales.
Mexico, where sales make up seven percent of Jack Daniel’s 2024 revenue, could be a bigger issue if similar actions occur.
Trump’s tariffs spark trade tensions
Last month, Trump signed an order imposing tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods. The tariffs aim to hold these countries accountable for preventing the flow of fentanyl into the US.
Trump placed an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. He claimed that growing fentanyl production in Canada was a threat to the US.
He also suggested that Canada could avoid tariffs by becoming the “Cherished 51st State.” The Canadian government firmly rejected this idea.
Trudeau defends Canada’s response
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau argued that less than one percent of fentanyl intercepted at the US border comes from Canada.
He stated that Canada has worked relentlessly to fight the fentanyl crisis. However, his defense did not prevent the trade dispute from escalating.
Canada introduced counter-tariffs in response to Trump’s decision. Trudeau’s government is also considering non-tariff measures in coordination with provinces and territories.
“While we urge the US administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal,” Trudeau said.
Whiting warned that “continued uncertainty and headwinds in the external environment” could impact the company’s global sales.
The situation between the US and Canada remains tense, with neither side backing down. As trade restrictions continue, businesses and consumers will feel the effects.