New trade sanctions from the United States will directly impact some of your favorite brands based in Saint John. U.S. President Donald Trump issued proclamations late Tuesday banning the import of specific Canadian products. The ban targets beer and molasses. This move creates immediate challenges for local companies like Moosehead Breweries and Crosby’s Molasses.

According to a report from CBC News, the import ban takes effect on September 29. A separate 50 percent tariff on aluminum, furniture, wood, and paper products begins on September 15.

Moosehead Breweries Rushes Shipments

Moosehead Breweries sends 15 percent of its production to the United States. The company sells beer in all 50 states. Andrew Oland is the president and CEO of Moosehead Breweries. He says the company is working quickly to ship cases across the border before the ban begins.

“We are working very hard with our importer in the U.S. and our distributor to line up as many as we can to ship to the U.S. over the next three weeks,” Oland told CBC News.

These shipments already face a 50 percent tariff implemented in August. Oland notes that maintaining shelf space in American grocery stores is critical. If a product is unavailable, retailers simply replace it with a competitor.

Oland expects Moosehead products will sell out in the U.S. by late October. The company is now exploring new export opportunities in Europe, Central America, and South America.

Crosby’s Molasses and the Provincial Response

The ban also hits Crosby’s Molasses. Peter Davis is a marketing manager at the company. He stated they are still navigating what this ban means for their operations and they feel for their American customers.

The provincial government is preparing a response to the trade sanctions. Katie Beers is a spokesperson for Premier Susan Holt. She says New Brunswick is working on a strategy and expects to make an announcement on Thursday.

Campobello Island Brewery Considers Relocation

The trade dispute threatens smaller operations near the border. Mother Mushroom Brewery operates on Campobello Island. Part owner Zoltan Fox says American buyers account for at least 67 percent of his total sales.

Campobello Island only has year round road access through Lubec, Maine. Customers frequently cross the bridge to purchase beer for house parties.

Fox is now considering moving his business across the border to Maine.

“When we live on an island of 800 people that has no connection for eight months of the year to our own country, I’m unsure what we’re supposed to do other than try and move our brewery to the other side of the bridge,” Fox said.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the U.S. import ban on Canadian beer and molasses start?

The import ban officially takes effect on September 29.

Which Saint John companies are affected by the ban?

The ban directly impacts Moosehead Breweries and Crosby’s Molasses.

Are there other tariffs included in the new trade sanctions?

Yes. A 50 percent tariff on aluminum, furniture, wood, and paper products begins on September 15.

How is Moosehead Breweries responding to the ban?

The brewery is rushing shipments to the U.S. before the deadline and exploring new markets in Europe and South America.