Hope, confusion for Saskatchewan alcohol producers amid U.S. trade war [Video]

Just last week, retailers across Canada began removing American alcohol from shelves. The move came as a response to American President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods.

Though Trump has since backtracked on a number of tariffs and adjusted deadlines for others, the air in Canada is one of uncertainty for independent businesses.

“Five years ago, almost to the day, I was having to become a rapid expert on virology, communicable diseases in the context of a global pandemic,” says Shawn Moen, CEO and co-founder of 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Company. “Today, I’m having to become an expert on the layered implication of tariffs in a sovereignty crisis.

“This is all just part of being a small business owner.”

While Saskatchewan producers see an opportunity to improve Canada’s alcohol industry, some say removing trade barriers is just a start.

“Just because you have barriers removed doesn’t mean that you don’t have expenses related to production, …