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American distillers have gotten a costly cold shoulder from Canada, where their exports plunged 85% earlier this year — topping broad declines in key international markets amid global trade tensions , a spirits industry group said Monday.

At a Glance:

American spirits exports to Canada plunged 85% in Q2 2025

Trade tensions and tariffs blamed for sharp global declines

Distillers fear lingering consumer backlash in key markets

Industry calls for zero-for-zero tariffs to stabilize trade

Even a thaw in trade relations may not shake this hangover right away.

“Even though things have eased up, we still are not back on the shelf in Canada,” said Kentucky craft distiller Tom Bard. “Probably won’t be for a good long while.”

The majority of Canadian provinces con

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