Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

The new US tariffs will affect several businesses in the region, including many local breweries where some beers come from their southern neighbour.

The new tariff measures don’t appear to have an impact on beer prices yet, but they will soon be felt. “The impact won’t be instantaneous,” emphasized Daniel Lagacé, owner of Bistro L’Autre Œil in Aylmer.

Several breweries, particularly macrobreweries, have already pre-ordered large quantities of their spirits from the United States. “They have the means to secure supplies over the long term, unlike microbreweries,” explained Sébastien Gandy, head of sales, communications, and cultural affairs at La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale in Gatineau. According to reports, the cost of a can could potentially increase by 10 to 30 cents. “If it were as simple as raising the price of a can and passing it on to customers, it wouldn’t be so complicated,” said Sébastien. “The real issue is that we’re already in a price war since there’s competition between microbreweries and macrobreweries, which always have the upper hand.” In this sense, beer prices at small breweries, which are already a little higher than average, will make it harder for them to compete.

With imagination, solutions can be found, according to Nathalie, owner of Fine et Futés in Buckingham. “Personally, I find that craft brewers are brimming with creativity,” she said. “Even if they find themselves with a hop shortage, I think they could simply invent a new beer.”

For Sébastien, there are few alternatives to alleviate the situation. “Ultimately, we’re caught in a political war that makes no sense, where we don’t have the tools to achieve our goals,” he said. “I think we still feel a desire among the population to encourage smaller local players.”

On the other hand, Daniel believes the issue will be more pronounced in terms of supply. “For breweries like mine that do business with the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), it’s currently impossible to purchase American products, whether it’s spirits, wine, or beer,” he pointed out. “While these tariffs can be worrying, the cost of living is also increasing, and when I see my bill, it makes me a little less afraid.”

Photo: Cans of beer with a glass (March 14, 2025) (MG) Photo: Facebook page of À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale