Canadian consumers shift spending to avoid US products amid trade tensions
Canadians are increasingly avoiding American products and services in response to US tariffs and threats, despite higher costs. One mechanic reports spending an extra C$1,000 a year on Canadian beer and C$50 more weekly on groceries. The boycott has become a new way of life for many, with over 3,500 people sharing their experiences.
The boycott spans consumer categories from streaming services and social media platforms to fuel, vehicles, and spirits. An Angus Reid survey from July found 40% of grocery shoppers actively checking product origins, with most avoiding US items where possible. The movement has produced its own vocabulary, including "ABUS" (Anything but US) and "Elbows Up!", a hockey term adopted as a defensive slogan.
Beyond individual purchasing decisions, Canadians report shifting investments to domestic companies and refusing to connect through US airports when traveling. The dispute escalated this week with 50% US tariffs on C$20bn of Canadian goods, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney's pledge to match them dollar for dollar, while Trump ordered Lake Ontario renamed Lake America.
This boycott could reshape cross-border economic relations, affecting US businesses that rely on Canadian consumer spending across retail, travel, and technology sectors. Canadian households may face sustained higher costs, potentially straining budgets even as domestic producers gain market share. The movement's