August 23, 2025 – WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, Wine Institute released the following statement from President and CEO Robert P. Koch in response to recent progress in U.S.–Canada trade negotiations and Canadian Prime Minister Carney’s announcement that Canada will remove all tariffs on U.S. goods covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, including wine. Wineries across the country continue to suffer economic harm from province-wide bans on U.S. wine sales. Since early March, wine, beer and spirits have been the only U.S. products completely barred from entering and being sold in the Canadian market. Before these restrictions, Canada accounted for 35% of all U.S. wine exports, with a retail value of more than $1.1 billion.
“We’re encouraged by the recent engagement from President Trump and Prime Minister Carney and today’s announcement that Canada will be removing its tariff on U.S. wine. This is an important first step in putting U.S. wines back on equal footing with imports from all other major wine regions.
“But the job isn’t finished yet. Provincial sales bans are still blocking U.S. wines from reaching Canadian shelves across most of Canada. Lifting these remaining barriers would bring relief to U.S. wineries that have been shut out of this important market and also allow Canadian wine lovers to once again enjoy their favorite American wines. We urge both governments to make that happen quickly.”
About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and by showcasing California’s wine regions as ideal destinations for food and wine travelers to the state. To learn more about California wines, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.
Source: Wine Institute
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