Sapporo Breweries Limited is planning to move its non-alcoholic beer production from Canada to the United States in the first half of 2027, a decision influenced by the 50 percent tariffs imposed on beer exports from Canada, a company official says.
The Japanese brewing company’s plans come after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Canadian beer exports. The tax officially took effect on Aug. 22.
“Tariffs are something out of our control,” chief strategy officer Rieko Shofu said in an interview with Bloomberg News. “We’re going to move ahead with local [U.S.] production.”
The relocation of its non-alcoholic production to the United States could have repercussions in the Greater Toronto Area. Sapporo acquired Sleeman Brewery for roughly $400 million in 2006, allowing the historic Canadian brand to expand its reach while keeping its major operations rooted in Guelph, Ont….