U.S. spirit exports to Canada fell 85% in the second quarter of 2025
Canadian businessman and Shark Tank judge Kevin O’Leary is blaming the trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada for the temporary closure of a Jim Beam distillery.
Jim Beam, one of the largest makers of American whiskey globally, announced it will halt production at its Clermont, Kentucky, distillery for one year, starting on January 1, 2026. The bourbon whiskey brand plans to “invest in site enhancements” during the closure, according to a statement.
The announcement comes as U.S. spirit exports to Canada are declining, with many Canadians boycotting American liquor in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his suggestion that the nation should be the 51st state.
Yes and no.
The tariffs stoked tension so much so that Canadians have been boycotting American produced alcohol, and bourbons were some of the first products targeted due to their proximity to Mitch McConnell (Kentucky).
Mr. Wonderful is still a piece of shit though.
I would suspect that Trump running around screaming about annexing Canada probably didn’t help.
Right. The tariffs created unnecessary tension worldwide and there was no logical reason for it that was actually factual. Not 1984 factual.