With the trade deadline between Canada and the U.S. now passed, resulting in a 35% increase in tariffs on non-CUSMA exports, Canadians are taking matters into their own hands by boycotting U.S. goods and travel. Many Canadians have shared their actions with us after we asked for feedback via email.
The predominant response from Canadians includes actively seeking out Canadian products and adopting an “anything but American” mindset when Canadian alternatives are unavailable. Additionally, individuals are refraining from traveling to the U.S. and are being more conscientious about their spending habits.
One common practice among Canadians is meticulously reading product labels at grocery stores to verify the country of origin. Rita Bailey, for instance, emphasized the importance of buying goods made in Canada or from trade-friendly nations. This shift in shopping habits has prompted individuals to question their purchases and step away from consumer culture, benefiting both their finances and overall well-being.
Larry Sharpe highlighted his longstanding boycott of U.S. goods since the inauguration of Donald Trump and reinforced his stance due to the president’s tariff policies. He and his wife have actively supported Canadian products and have become meticulous about reading labels.
In addition to boycotting U.S. goods, some Canadians have decided to avoid traveling to the U.S. despite living in close proximity to the border. Gino Paolone, for example, used to travel to the U.S. frequently but has now made a conscious choice not to support the U.S. economy amidst the ongoing trade tensions.
Furthermore, individuals are exploring local alternatives by shifting investments from the U.S. to Canada, canceling American streaming services, changing travel patterns, and supporting community-based options. Karen Mount, for instance, prioritizes buying produce from local farmers’ markets and seeks non-American substitutes when Canadian options are unavailable.
Some Canadians have expressed a long-term commitment to boycotting U.S. goods and travel, indicating that they may never return to purchasing American products or visiting the country. Garry Semple and Rita Bailey are among those who have firmly decided to continue their boycott indefinitely, reflecting a growing sentiment of resistance among Canadian consumers.