Trump tariffs on Canada continue to affect Vermont alcohol brand
Caledonia Spirits’ ‘Barr Hill’ products see drop in exports across the border
MONTPELIER, Vt. —
President Trump’s new round of additional tariffs on specific Canadian goods, including alcohol, is putting pressure on popular brands.
Barr Hill Distillery in Montpelier says their exports to Canada have dropped since the start of the current presidential administration.
Caledonia Spirits, known for their popular ‘Barr Hill’ products, has seen the immediate effects of Canadian tariffs since the beginning of 2025.
Each Canadian province can set its own alcohol retail and distribution rules.
According to the White House, all but two Canadian provinces and territories have halted the purchase, distribution, or retailing of U.S. alcoholic beverages, and have not imposed similar restrictions on other countries.
Barr Hill’s General Manager of Hospitality Relations, Patrick Amice said they’ve seen a 10-15% reduction in sales through exports.
“One of the hardest things about this tariff has been planning. So, we plan for a year or two years out. And what we’re seeing is a 10% reduction in sales here at the distillery, or we’re seeing a reduction in retail,” said Amice.
Since March of 2025, the White House said, Canadian imports of U.S. alcoholic beverages decreased by about 81% or $582 million, compared to the year before.
“A long-term extended trade war, as we’ve often seen, negatively affect everyone. It affects the Canadian side. It affects the Vermont side,” said Amice. “We’re kind of there now, [where] they are out of product. They have customers up there who may want it, but they can’t get it. And they really have no incentive to buy it because their retailers are not selling American products.”
Though there is still time to negotiate between leaders, the 50% tariffs are set to take effect on August 19.