US companies could take a hit from 'buy Canadian' boycott: Newsweek
3 Min Read
Canadians are avoiding US-made products and changing their vacation plans in reaction to Trump's tariff threats.
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US President Donald Trump greets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau upon his arrival at the White House, on June 20, 2019, in Washington. (AP)
Frustration over US President Donald Trump's tariffs and remarks about making Canada the 51st US state has led some Canadians to boycott American products and refrain from traveling to the United States.
Newsweek, referencing the US Trade Representative's office, reported on Wednesday that in 2024, the United States exported goods worth $349.4 billion to Canada, making it the country's top export market.
If the boycott of American products in Canada gains substantial traction, it could negatively impact US producers economically and possibly lead the new administration to reassess its aggressive stance toward key trading partners, according to the report.
While some experts told Newsweek that the economic impact is uncertain or likely temporary, others pointed to broader changes in consumer behavior, suggesting that the boycott reflects a more profound shift in Canadians' perceptions of their southern neighbors since Trump’s inauguration last month.
Trudeau called for boycott of US products
In early February, Canadian national and regional leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, urged citizens to boycott US products and prioritize Canadian goods in response to Trump’s decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada.
"Now is also the time to choose Canada," Trudeau said upon announcing retaliatory trade measures against the US.
"There are many ways for you to do your part: It might be checking the labels at supermarkets and picking Canadian-made products; It might mean opting for Canadian rye over Kentucky bourbon, or foregoing Florida orange juice altogether; It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada."
Canadians swiftly responded to the prime minister's call, with one grocery store owner telling CBS News a week later that customers were "completely boycotting American-made products."
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A recent Angus Reid Institute poll conducted between February 16 and 18 among 3,310 Canadians found that 85 percent had already replaced or planned to replace US products when shopping.
Of this overwhelming majority, 48% said they were replacing as many products as possible with alternatives and 37% stated they would replace products if they could find substitutes of similar price and quality.
Additionally, petitions have been started to increase the visibility of country-of-origin labels on products, and barcode-scanning apps have been developed to help Canadians identify and avoid American-made goods.
Trips to US cut down
Canadians have reportedly reduced travel to the US, with border wait times and vehicle crossings significantly down compared to 2024, according to Whatcom Council of Governments data.
Preliminary data from Canada's national statistical agency also shows a 0.9% drop in Canadians returning from US trips in January, the first decline since the COVID pandemic.
Early signs suggest this movement could have an impact on the US economy.
Canada's largest travel agency, Flight Centre, told Forbes that it had already witnessed a "surge of customers" canceling vacations to the US. Additionally, Trump recently confirmed that the 25% tariffs on Canada will take effect next week, following a 30-day pause agreed upon in early February.
During a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump said that the administration was "on time with the tariffs" and that this was moving on "rapidly."
