Ottawa renews push to boycott US products

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 28, 2026

Canada has stepped up efforts to encourage consumers to boycott American products in retaliation to new US tariffs introduced in 2025, promoting the purchase of Canadian-made goods as a form of economic resistance. This movement has altered consumer behavior, impacted tourism with fewer Canadians traveling to the US, and prompted US border states to launch campaigns aimed at attracting Canadian visitors.

MONTREAL — Canada is intensifying its call for consumers to boycott American products amid an escalating trade dispute with the United States, reflecting a broader surge of economic patriotism across the country. Since the introduction of new US tariffs by President Donald Trump in 2025, governmental and consumer responses have increasingly favored Canadian-made goods.

Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne emphasized the importance of consumer choices during a statement on August 25, asserting that purchasing Canadian products serves as a tool to counteract the impact of American tariffs. “The greatest power we all have is our own purchasing power... We can choose to buy Canadian, and we must choose to buy Canadian,” he said while outlining the government’s response to the latest US tariff measures. Industry Minister Melanie Joly reinforced this stance, highlighting that buying domestic products not only exerts pressure on the United States but also safeguards Canadian employment.

The government’s push has been met with a visible change in consumer behavior. Peter Gianopolios, managing a Montreal supermarket, reported on August 26 that shoppers increasingly inquire about the origin of products, often opting for items produced in Quebec regardless of higher prices. Retailers have also amplified the presence of Canadian-produced goods, with labels featuring the maple leaf becoming more prominent on store shelves. Canadian Tire employees in Montreal were seen wearing T-shirts stating “We all play for Canada,” symbolizing the growing emphasis on economic patriotism in the retail sector.

The boycott extends beyond consumer goods to the tourism industry. The number of Canadians travelling to the United States has declined significantly since 2025, with a reported 25 percent drop linked to the boycott. Lawyer Charlotte Dumonceau expressed a personal commitment to avoid US vacations for the foreseeable future. However, this trend has recently shown signs of reversal. Statistics Canada noted a 5 percent increase in trips from Canada to the United States in June, totaling 2.3 million journeys, suggesting some easing of earlier restrictions.

In response to the decline in Canadian visitors, several US border states have launched initiatives to attract Canadian tourists. New York, for example, has introduced the “New York Loves Canada” promotion offering discounts and other incentives targeted at Canadian travelers through the end of the year.

The evolving trade tensions continue to influence consumer and travel patterns on both sides of the border, with Canada’s government actively encouraging its citizens to prioritize domestic products and services in response to American tariffs.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.