Canadians Boycott US Goods and Travel as 50% Tariffs Hit $20 Billion
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 29
Canadians Boycott US Goods and Travel as 50% Tariffs Hit $20 Billion
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 29
Summary
More than 3,500 Canadians told the Guardian they are avoiding US groceries, travel, tech, streaming services, alcohol and social media, turning a boycott that began last year into a broader lifestyle shift.
The push intensified after Washington imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods this week, following collapsed trade talks; Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged matching retaliation "dollar for dollar."
A July Angus Reid survey found 40% of grocery shoppers were checking product origins, while "Anything but US," "Anywhere but USA" and the slogan "Elbows Up!" have become shorthand for the campaign.
Consumers described paying more and changing habits anyway—one Ontario mechanic said Canadian beer and groceries add about C$3,600 a year, while others swapped US brands, canceled trips south and moved spending to Canadian or non-US alternatives.
Many respondents said the rupture now feels lasting, with some vowing not to return to US products even after the current administration, arguing the trade fight has permanently damaged trust in the bilateral relationship.