On Tuesday, March 4, employees at one of the Société des Alcools du Québec (Quebec Alcohol Corporation) stores in Montreal were busy removing American liquor bottles from the shelves, one by one. The Quebec government had given the order just minutes earlier as a retaliatory measure against the United States. The store hadn't had time to print any signs in the rush, but cardboard boxes were scattered on the floor. In the wine section, all American vintages had already disappeared, leaving behind empty shelves that now symbolized this new trade war between the two countries.

Until the last moment, many were hoping for a final U-turn. This time, there was none, and the American president, Donald Trump, followed through on his threat. After a month's reprieve, all Canadian products imported into the US have, since Tuesday, been hit with tariffs of 25%, except for petroleum products, which are taxed at 10%. "There's a lot of concern and nervousness," said Julie White, president of Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (Quebec Manufacturers and Exporters), an organization representing over 13,000 businesses. "The extent of the shock will really depend on the support of our governments," she said.

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