Jamaican rums among spirits filling the gap as Ontario halts US alcohol imports

Jamaican and other Caribbean rum brands could see a boost in sales as the Government of Ontario takes retaliatory measures to combat the tariffs imposed by the US on all Canadian goods.

The Caribbean brands stand out beside empty shelf spaces where US products used to be on sale at stores belonging to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), a government-owned corporation that sells alcohol in Ontario.

As part of Ontario’s response strategy to US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, the government of Ontario directed LCBO to take operational steps to implement restrictions on all US alcohol sales and related imports into Ontario, effective immediately. Ontario premier, Doug Ford, also announced several retaliatory measures that will be taken to combat the tariffs imposed by the US.

“LCBO has ceased the purchase of all US products, retail customers are no longer able to purchase US products on lcbo.com and the LCBO app, and wholesale customers, including grocery and convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and other retailers, are no longer able to place orders of US products online.

“Furthermore, spirits, wine, cider, beer, ready-to-drink coolers/cocktails, and non-alcoholic products produced in the US will no longer be available in our retail stores or LCBO Convenience Outlets,” notes a media release on the LCBO’s website.

The Gleaner visited an LCBO and saw brands of rum from Jamaica, Cuba, Guyana, Brazil and other countries. There were notices in sections where US products once stood stating that: “For the good of Ontario. For the good of Canada. In response to US tariffs on Canadian goods, products produced in the US are no longer available until further notice. Looking for an alternative? Ask our team about our extensive range of Ontario- and Canada-made products.”

An employee noted that the US products were pulled from the shelves Tuesday night and so the brands of rum, many from the Caribbean, are all they have in stock.

“Our in-store teams can help customers find alternative products from our extensive selection of products from Ontario, Canada, and around the world,” states the LCBO.

The website notes that the “LCBO is the importer of record for all US alcohol products into Ontario, with annual sales of up to $965 million. We currently list more than 3,600 products from 35 US states. US products will not be purchased by LCBO until the LCBO is directed to resume normal business.”

- Neil Armstrong

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