SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WNEM) \u2014 A trade war between the United States and Canada could soon affect consumers, as a Saginaw Township store owner says tariffs may eventually raise prices on Canadian beer, wine and whiskey.<\/p>\n
Talks between the two countries collapsed last week. Days later, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods, including alcohol.<\/p>\n
Canada has set Sept. 8 as the start of its own retaliatory tariffs. The Canadian prime minister said the country will target industries hit hardest by the U.S.<\/p>\n
Store owner reacts to tariffs<\/p>\n
Jeff Oppermann, owner of Oppermann\u2019s Cork \u2018N\u2019 Ale in Saginaw Township, sells Canadian beer, whiskey and wine.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen this happen before with wine. We\u2019ve seen it with other goods in our store as well. And usually, things get settled before they really hit. So, I\u2019m hoping that this happens this time as well,\u201d Oppermann said.<\/p>\n
Oppermann said it will be some time before customers see a price change on Canadian beer, wine and whiskey at his store.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe distributors have enough in stock to last through this holiday season, because they buy in large quantities. So, it wouldn\u2019t affect anything until next year. But if it does, I think you\u2019re going to find some people switching from Crown Royal to some of the American whiskeys. And the beer as well, I think they\u2019re going to end up supporting a Michigan beer instead of a Canadian if the prices are double what the Michigan is,\u201d Oppermann said.<\/p>\n
Possible shift to American brands<\/p>\n
Oppermann said he is optimistic he will not lose revenue even if the tariffs continue into 2027, saying some customers may still choose to stick with Canadian products.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust like gas, we have to pay for gas, and people are still driving. So, if they really want that product, they\u2019re still going to pay the price,\u201d Oppermann said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCanada has always been good partners of ours, and hopefully we can get this all worked out, and we can get Jim Beam back on their shelf as well as keeping Crown Royal on ours,\u201d Oppermann said.<\/p>\n
Ontario Premier Doug Ford told the Associated Press that Canada should be ready to cut electricity and critical minerals to the U.S. if the trade fight worsens. He also said Ronald Reagan would be \u201cthrowing up\u201d over President Trump\u2019s trade policies.<\/p>\n