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Sapporo shifts nonalcoholic beer production to U.S. after tariffs

9/9/2026

6 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Sapporo Relocates Production

Sapporo will move production of its non-alcoholic beer from Canada to the United States.
The shift follows a 50% tariff on Canadian beer that took effect Tuesday.
Chief strategy officer Rieko Shofu said tariffs are beyond the company's control and urged local production.
Sapporo targets completing the move by early 2027 and is exploring West Coast building, buying or partnership options.

Summary

Sapporo Warns

Sapporo warns that Japan’s shrinking population is reducing long-term alcohol consumption in the coming decades.
Chief Strategy Officer Rieko Shofu says the firm feels a considerable sense of urgency about domestic market as sales decline.
The brewer is not ruling out greater supply-chain cooperation with rival Japanese brewers to improve resilience.

History

Historical Context

In early 2025 President Donald Trump heightened trade pressure on Canada, imposing a 25% tariff on many Canadian goods and, on April 4, expanding the 50% aluminum duty to include canned beer and empty cans. The steep duty pushed brewers such as Molson Coors and Sapporo to shift production from Canada to the United States, illustrating how the tariff surge reshapes North-American beer supply chains.

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Sapporo Relocates Production

Sapporo will move production of its non-alcoholic beer from Canada to the United States.
The shift follows a 50% tariff on Canadian beer that took effect Tuesday.
Chief strategy officer Rieko Shofu said tariffs are beyond the company's control and urged local production.
Sapporo targets completing the move by early 2027 and is exploring West Coast building, buying or partnership options.

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