Alberta Resumes U.S. Alcohol Imports After Months-Long Pause to Counter Tariffs

Alberta has officially resumed the purchase of American-made alcohol and gambling machines, reversing a policy that had been in place for three months as a response to steep tariffs imposed on Canadian exports by the United States. The move, unveiled Friday by Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally, marks what officials are calling a “renewed commitment to open and fair trade” with the U.S., and comes at a crucial juncture for cross-border relations.

The province's restriction, first announced in March by Premier Danielle Smith, halted all new acquisitions of U.S. liquor and video lottery terminals, while also preventing the signing of fresh contracts with American companies. Although Alberta’s liquor retail sector is comprised of private stores, stock purchases are still administered through the provincial government, amplifying the impact of the embargo during its brief duration.

This policy had been enacted just one day after then-U.S. President Donald Trump enacted sweeping tariffs on goods and energy imports from Canada, sparking swift retaliatory measures from several Canadian provinces. Alongside Alberta, other premiers also implemented bans on U.S. alcohol products and signaled a readiness to introduce further countermeasures if necessary.

Now, with Alberta rolling back its restrictions, Minister Nally explained that the change is designed to “set the stage for more constructive negotiations” as Canada, the United States, and Mexico approach the mandatory 2026 review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The agreement, originally negotiated during Trump’s first administration, remains a cornerstone of North American trade.

“Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a clear effort to reset the relationship with the U.S. administration, and Alberta’s government supports this approach,” Nally stated on Friday. He emphasized that the province’s focus is on showcasing Alberta as a responsible and collaborative trading partner, and pledged ongoing efforts with other provinces to advocate for a fully tariff-free trading environment with their southern neighbor.

Despite renewed access to U.S. alcohol and gambling machines, Nally encouraged Albertans to continue supporting local producers. “We know many Albertans value homegrown products, and we urge them to keep exploring what our own distillers and brewers have to offer—even as American options return to the market,” he said.

Alberta actually paused its procurement restrictions on U.S. companies in April, with Nally describing the move as being undertaken “in the spirit of diplomacy.” The full resumption of American supply contracts underscores a tangible shift towards reconciliation and patience ahead of pivotal trade agreement talks in the coming year.