SAQ to remove American products from its shelves starting Tuesday

The SAQ head office in Montreal, Monday Feb. 12, 2024. (The Canadian Press)/Ryan Remiorz (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

The Quebec Ministry of Finance announced on Sunday afternoon that it had asked the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) to remove “all American products” from its shelves as of Tuesday.

The SAQ will also have to stop supplying American alcoholic beverages to the province’s grocery shops, bars, agencies and restaurants.

“This measure is a reaction to the unjustified imposition of tariffs by the American administration,” said Finance Minister Éric Girard in a press release. “Other measures will follow.”

Quebec explained that it could take a few days before American spirits disappeared completely from stores. The Ministry of Finance assured that the impact of this measure will be “limited for Quebec consumers,” as the SAQ offers a range of products from countries other than the United States.

“We will protect our economy, our businesses and our citizens,” said Girard.

According to the SAQ’s 2023 annual report, “still wines” of American origin accounted for 6.8 per cent of market share. France and Italy accounted for 33.2 per cent and 23.3 per cent respectively.