The NSLC reported that around a month ago, it had approximately $1.5 million worth of American alcohol remaining in its inventory, representing 10% of the original stock before removing U.S. products from the shelves. Nova Scotia’s Crown-run alcohol retailer and distributor disclosed in its first-quarter financial results released on Tuesday that over $1.8 million worth of American alcohol was sold during the quarter spanning from April 1 to June 28.
In an email to CBC News, the NSLC confirmed that as of August 17, there was about $1.5 million worth of American stock still available. This indicates that approximately 90% of the U.S. alcohol inventory has been sold, and there are no intentions to make additional purchases.
The NSLC ceased purchasing American alcohol in January 2025 and removed it from the shelves in March 2025 as part of Canada’s response to the trade conflict with the U.S. The retail value of the alcohol withdrawn from the shelves totaled $14,896,652, equating to over 600,000 units of product.
In December, the NSLC resumed the sale of warehoused American products, with the proceeds directed to community food groups. Subsequently, in April, it was announced that 315 organizations would benefit from grants totaling $5.3 million generated from the sales, ranging from $1,000 to $350,000 per group.
The proceeds from American product sales are also allocated to food security initiatives, as confirmed by a Finance Department spokesperson to CBC last month. The availability of American alcohol products varies significantly across the nation, with full availability in Alberta but unavailable at the LCBO, Ontario’s Crown-run liquor retailer, one of the world’s top alcohol purchasers.
Many provinces, including Nova Scotia, have adopted intermediate stances. The refusal by various Crown-run alcohol retailers to procure American alcohol has negatively impacted the U.S. alcohol industry and emerged as a significant trade issue. Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, expressed to CBC’s Power and Politics in May that the repercussions have been severe.
Globally, American exports experienced a 3.8% decline in 2025, primarily due to the boycott of U.S. alcohol in several Canadian provinces. The council stated that excluding Canada from the figures would have resulted in a 2.5% export increase for the year.
Last year, Brown-Forman, the parent company of Jack Daniel’s whisky and Woodford Reserve bourbon, reported a 62% drop in sales to Canada during its initial fiscal quarter. In Nova Scotia, products considered American alcohol are those produced or manufactured in the U.S. Beers like Budweiser or Coors, brewed in Canadian facilities, remain available for purchase, as well as products like Southern Comfort, produced in Montreal.
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