Sapporo Shifts Non-Alcoholic Beer Production from Canada to U.S.

Japanese brewer Asahi Holdings announced plans to relocate the production of its non‑alcoholic beer line from its Canadian facility to the United States, citing rising tariff costs that have eroded profit margins. The move is aimed at mitigating the impact of the U.S.‑Canada trade dispute, which has increased import duties on raw materials and finished goods used in beer manufacturing.

Under the new arrangement, Asahi will shift its brewing operations to a U.S. plant in the Midwest, where it already operates several other beverage production sites. The company said the transition will be phased over the next 12 to 18 months, with the Canadian facility gradually winding down. By moving production domestically, Asahi expects to reduce customs clearance times and avoid the 7.5% tariff on Canadian‑origin barley and hops that has been applied since the trade tensions escalated.

The shift underscores a broader trend among Japanese beverage makers to re‑evaluate supply chains in light of changing trade policies. While the company has not disclosed specific cost savings, industry analysts predict that eliminating the tariff will improve margins for non‑alcoholic products, which have seen rising demand in the U.S. market. As the transition proceeds, Asahi will monitor regulatory developments to ensure compliance and maintain product quality across its expanded U.S. footprint.