‘If it’s made in the US, I don’t buy it’: Canadians on boycotting Trump’s America

The article details a significant and growing consumer boycott of American goods and services across Canada, a direct response to the trade policies and rhetoric of the former US administration. This movement, often encapsulated by acronyms like ABUS (Anything but US) or ABUSA (Anywhere but USA) and the slogan “Elbows Up!”, signifies a profound shift in Canadian consumer preferences and national sentiment. The boycott extends across various sectors, from everyday groceries and alcohol to technology, streaming services, and even air travel, compelling many Canadians to actively seek out domestic or non-US alternatives.

William McDonald

Individual Canadians are making tangible sacrifices to participate in this boycott. William McDonald, a diesel mechanic from Thunder Bay, Ontario, exemplifies this commitment, stating that "Canadian is always the first choice," even if it elevates his weekly expenses. He began boycotting US goods immediately after tariffs were imposed, accepting an extra C$1,000 annually for Canadian beer and C$50 more per week for groceries. McDonald views this as a principled stand against what he perceives as the US president's "schoolyard bully" tactics, underscoring the emotional and value-driven motivations behind the economic decisions of ordinary citizens.

This personal financial impact, willingly absorbed by consumers like McDonald, illustrates the depth of conviction driving the boycott. It suggests that for many, the perceived slight to national dignity and economic sovereignty outweighs the immediate financial convenience of purchasing cheaper or more readily available American products. The collective action of thousands of individuals, as highlighted by the Guardian's online callout, indicates a broad-based, grassroots movement rather than a niche protest, reflecting a widespread sentiment across the Canadian populace.

50% Tariffs

The boycott gained further momentum following the US imposition of 50% tariffs on US$20bn of Canadian goods, which Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to match "dollar for dollar." This escalation, coupled with the former US president's provocative actions like ordering the renaming of Lake Ontario to Lake America, has intensified Canadian resolve. The collapse of trade talks between the two nations further solidified the perception among Canadians that their northern neighbor was being unfairly targeted, fueling the desire for economic retaliation through consumer choices.

This governmental response and the broader geopolitical context provide a crucial backdrop to the consumer actions. The tit-for-tat tariff imposition signals a breakdown in traditional trade relations, directly impacting the cost and availability of goods. For consumers, the government's stance validates their personal boycotts, transforming individual purchasing decisions into acts of national solidarity. The economic implications of such widespread boycotts, combined with official tariffs, could lead to significant reconfigurations of supply chains and trade partnerships for both nations.

Elizabeth Lorenz

The long-term implications of this boycott extend beyond immediate economic shifts, potentially reshaping the fundamental relationship between the US and Canada. Elizabeth Lorenz, a retired teacher, exemplifies the dedication to avoiding US products, even changing recipes to accommodate a lack of certain ingredients and planting her own vegetables to avoid American-grown produce. Her decision to prioritize her "outrage at America’s greed and corruption" over environmental concerns related to importing produce from further afield highlights the profound emotional and ideological underpinnings of the movement.

Many, like Jane, a 54-year-old teacher, believe the relationship between the two countries has been "permanently tarnished," indicating a potential lasting shift in consumer loyalty and travel patterns. Jane's choice to vacation in Mexico or Europe instead of the US, and to drive four hours to Toronto for events she previously attended an hour away in Detroit, demonstrates a conscious and sustained effort to divest from the American economy. This suggests that even if political tensions ease, the habits and preferences formed during this period of animosity may endure, leading to a sustained reorientation of Canadian consumer behavior and a more diversified economic engagement with other global partners.