SECTOR GUIDE · REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVE
For wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries and non-alcoholic beverage makers.
The U.S. cited alcoholic beverages when it imposed Section 338 tariffs in July 2026, and since September 29, 2026 it has banned imports of Canadian alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beer. For producers that relied on U.S. sales, that is the loss of a market. RTRI can bridge the cash flow and fund a pivot toward Canadian and other export markets.
Free one-on-one consultation. Practical guidance for your business. No obligation to hire us.
Tariff facts checked against official sources on October 29, 2026 • Sources linked below
See all sector guidesHOW TARIFFS HIT THIS SECTOR
The cleanest evidence is your U.S. sales history, showing shipments by distributor and market before July 2026 and the drop after. Add the cost side if you buy U.S. glass, cartons or aluminum.
Tariff measures change often. Each item links to the official source, and rates are as published on October 29, 2026.
The U.S. imposed 50% Section 338 tariffs in July 2026, citing alcoholic beverages among other products. Since September 29, 2026, alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beer are banned from import into the U.S.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (Trade Commissioner Service)Since September 8, 2026, Canada applies 50% to U.S. glass bottles and jars, plastic packing articles and paper cartons, and 25% or 50% to many U.S. aluminum products.
Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs (Finance Canada)WHO QUALIFIES
Beverage producers are manufacturers. Restaurants, bars and other local consumer services are generally not eligible, so the application should focus on production.
Retail, local consumer services (such as hotels, restaurants, utilities, healthcare and recreation), oil and gas extraction and construction services are generally not eligible.
Wineries with production facilities. Craft and regional breweries. Distilleries and cideries. Non-alcoholic beer and beverage makers.
In at least one of your last two fiscal years, as an incorporated, for-profit business located and operating in the region you apply to.
Assessed through your attestation, financial statements and operating history. Businesses founded after March 21, 2025 are considered case by case.
Meet at least one test: a sector hit by Section 232 or 338 tariffs (directly or as a supplier), 25% or more of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S., or harm from tariffs or the uncertainty they created.
HOW RTRI CAN HELP
Liquidity assistance covers tariff-related cash-flow shortfalls in your existing labour and overhead. Pivot projects fund net-new investment on top of the business you already run. You can apply for either, or both.
Non-repayable support for a tariff-related cash-flow shortfall in the business you already run.
Liquidity covers 50% of average monthly payroll over the last 12 months, with rent, utilities, insurance and property taxes considered where needed, up to $2M non-repayable. Inventory and raw materials are not eligible liquidity costs.
Tariffs, customs duties, raw materials, inventory and debt payments are not eligible liquidity costs. Dividends are restricted while liquidity support is in place.
Funding for net-new investment on top of your existing labour, overhead and operations.
Projects need new, incremental costs and measurable results. Land and building purchases, entertainment, vehicles and refinancing are not eligible.
Up to $3M in combined non-repayable support: $2M for liquidity plus $1M for a non-repayable pivot. Total RTRI support, including repayable funding, is capped at $20M per business. The same costs cannot be funded twice.
THE EVIDENCE THAT MATTERS
Tariff impact is what gets assessed. You do not need to attach every business record, but each claim should trace back to one.
Examples of indirect tariff impactWHERE TO APPLY
RTRI is delivered by seven regional development agencies, each with its own process. You apply to the agency for the region where your business operates, and separate requests are needed for employees in more than one region.
Fillable PDF form, submitted from Adobe Acrobat Reader
PacifiCanPacifiCan online portal, stream “BC (PacifiCan) - RTRI-Business”
CEDContact CED first; CED assesses eligibility, then sends the form
ACOAMyACOA Client Portal, after talking to your nearest ACOA office
PrairiesCanDetailed application in the PrairiesCan online portal
ALL REGIONSAll seven regional development agencies
SECTOR QUESTIONS
Practical answers based on the agencies' published RTRI guidance and official tariff sources.
Yes. Wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries that meet the criteria, including $1M+ in revenue, can apply to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative through their regional development agency.
According to the Trade Commissioner Service, since September 29, 2026 the U.S. bans imports of alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beer from Canada, within its Section 338 measures. Check the Trade Commissioner Service for updates.
They can. RTRI accepts cost increases where tariffs raised the price of goods and materials needed for production. Since September 8, 2026, U.S. glass bottles and jars are listed at 50%.
Generally not. RTRI excludes businesses providing local consumer services, such as restaurants. Producers apply on the strength of their manufacturing operations.
LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT STEP
Tell us what has changed for your business. In a free, one-on-one consultation, we will help you understand your tariff relief funding options and next steps, whether or not you work with us.
Independent advisory by Fundspoke. We are not a government agency. Tariff measures and program terms change often; official sources, your regional agency's current rules and your contribution agreement govern. Your customs broker can confirm how tariffs apply to your products.