The withdrawal of American alcohols is starting to cost the SAQ dear

The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) is undergoing financial backlash of the withdrawal of American wines. Similarly, spirits from its tablets, imposed by the Legault government. Similarly, Already more than $ 500. Moreover, 000 has been spent by the Crown Business due to the storage of bottles, reveals a request for access to the documents made by Radio-Canada.

Wine cleaning three, Whiskey Jack Daniel’s, Vodkas Smirnoff flavored, Rum Bacardi … Meanwhile, About a million American bottles take dust in the warehouses SAQ In Montreal and Quebec, since their withdrawal, March 4, 2025.

A reader of Radio-Canada.ca wrote to us in early July to find out what is going on with these bottles withdrawn in response. to the taxation of customs prices by withdrawal american alcohols starting cost US President Donald Trump.

Is the wine of the United States still stored?asked for Sonia Bluteau. Has employees of the SAQ Or was it sold for them for cheap before it is no longer good? Have contracts been signed with American vineyards? Should we assume these contracts at a loss?

The wine has not been given or sold. It is still stored and is not yet expired. There SAQ has also ceased to supply grocery stores, bars and restaurants with American products.

According to data obtained by Radio-Canada, the accounting value of the inventory of American products held is $ 27.2 million.

Additional direct costs associated with this operation are of the order of $ 500. 000, for the period from March 4 to June 21, 2025writes the SAQ.

The Crown Company has declined our request for an interview. but writes to us that The amount withdrawal american alcohols starting cost mentioned mainly takes into account the costs generated by the withdrawal maneuver (additional hours at the schedule provided for withdrawal, transport and delivery to the warehouse), as well as the funding cost of these stocks.

Since the SAQ has already paid the inventory of American products. it must assume the cost of financing throughout the period when these stocks remain in warehouse.

The money immobilized in these stocks cannot be invested elsewhere during this time. for example, to buy products, generate financial returns, make investments or support our operations.

As for the contracts signed with American producers, They are withdrawal american alcohols starting cost managed in accordance with government requestswrites the SAQ. Promotions with these partners are therefore suspended. Their financial impact will also depend on future decisions.

We will have to wait a return to normal to calculate the real financial impactsadds the spokesperson.

Ontario. British Columbia, Nova Scotia as well as Newfoundland and Labrador also decided to withdraw American alcohols from their displays in March in the imposition of prices by the United States.

Alberta had removed them from the tablets, but reintegrated them, in June.

In Quebec, the Legault government will have to decide whether the SAQ must reintegrate the bottles. No indication has been received in this senseexplains the spokesperson for the Crown Company.

In the meantime, Quebec winegrowers are largely taking advantage of the removal of the place left vacant.