How to buy made-in-Canada products amid a tariff war
Many Canadians are taking matters into their own hands after US President Donald Trump ordered the imposition of tariffs on goods from Canada.
Trump announced over the weekend that those tariffs, which will kick in on Tuesday, will charge 25% on most Canadian products imported into the US, with the exception of energy, which will be subject to a 10% tariff.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded with a $155 billion tariff package.
We will always stand up for Canada. pic.twitter.com/Eg9vkh4bS0
ā Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 2, 2025
Over the weekend, Trudeau announced the federal government would be moving forward with 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of US goods.
The first phase of the response will include tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the US, effective February 4, when the US tariffs are implemented.
The list of US goods includes orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics, and more.
Ottawa intends to impose tariffs on an additional list of imported US goods worth $125 billion. This will include imports like passenger vehicles and trucks, including electric vehicles, steel and aluminum products, certain fruits and vegetables, aerospace products, beef, pork, dairy, trucks and buses, recreational vehicles, and recreational boats.
This list will be made available for a 21-day public comment period prior to implementation, according to the government.
According to a February 2 poll from Research Co., which surveyed 1,002 adults in Canada, more than three in five Canadians (63%) say they will avoid buying goods originating from the US if a non-American alternative is available.
The data certainly reflects the reactions online.
One Canadian on the subreddit “Loblaw Is Out of Control” suggested boycotting products made in the US.
For context, that subreddit is the group that launched the May-long boycott on Loblaw stores to protest soaring grocery prices.
“Folks over the last year we have successfully boycotted [Loblaw-owned establishments]. Now we should boycott all products from USA in the light of 25% tariff imposed by you know who!!” reads their post.
The Redditor then calls on Canadians to stop buying US-made products and stop vacationing there.
“Support our local products, farmers and retailers. Look for vacation spots our great North offers, stay away from Florida, snowbirds. Go to Mexico or Cuba if need to go to a warm place. Proud to be Canadianššš,” reads the post.
Canadians flooded the comments in support of the boycott.
“I boycotted Walmart during the first Trump presidency. It will be harder this time since I’m also boycotting Loblaws but Canada needs to pull together,” reads one reply.
Others added tech giants to the boycott list.
“I agree! I also include wiping out Facebook, Twitter, Amazon and anyone else who was present at the inauguration. Including TikTok,” reads another comment.
And, of course, several people shared alternatives to US products.
One Redditor suggested the app Buycott, which allows you to scan barcodes to see if the product or company violates the cause you care about.
Another Reddit thread listed specific American brands to boycott including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Kraft, and General Mills.
A list of products and Canadian alternatives to American brands has been circulating widely on X.
It includes categories like dairy products, beverages, and condiments and sauces. However, you may want to do your own research about the brands on the list, as some of the brands listed under the “avoid” column are still made and packaged in Canada, like French’s.
See this chart, it will help Canadians support ourselves as the orange goblinās tariffs take effect.
Pass it on Canada šØš¦ #BuyCanadian pic.twitter.com/YUBBmfarmg
ā Follow @tylerbanham on bluesky (@tylerbanham) February 1, 2025
The website Made in CA was recommended in the Reddit thread. According to its FAQ page, it was founded in 2018 after the organizers grew tired of the tariff battles with the US.
“To do something about it, we started to compile a list of products and services available in Canada so consumers could rest easy knowing their dollars were having the maximum impact on the Canadian economy,” reads the site.
It highlights Canadian-made products across all industries like automotive, clothing, electronics, furniture, and food.
madeinca.ca
Trump first threatened to slap a 25% tariff on products from Canada and Mexico in November.