Amid the onset of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods in early 2025, Francine Piché has been steadfast in her decision to steer clear of American products. Living in Burlington, Ont., she and her household prioritize Canadian-made items, followed by alternatives from other countries, with a strict avoidance of American goods whenever possible.
Piché has actively shifted her consumer choices by switching to non-U.S. personal care brands, terminating her Amazon subscription, and scrapping plans for a New York trip to minimize financial support to the U.S. However, with the recent enforcement of new 50 percent U.S. tariffs after failed trade negotiations, Piché has resolved to cease all exceptions.
The family is now intending to cancel their remaining American streaming subscriptions upon renewal, and Piché is prepared to forgo some of her favorite gluten-free American-made foods, even if suitable alternatives are not readily available.
Expressing her unwavering determination, Piché stated, “That’s the only way that I can fight back.”
Following a surge in consumer disfavor towards American products over a year ago, heightened trade tensions have reignited the Buy Canadian movement, prompting consumers to increasingly favor Canadian goods.
Notably, traffic on the Made in Canada Facebook group has spiked, with over 1.4 million members sharing information on Canadian products and witnessing a 300 percent increase in page views compared to June 2026. The administrator, Jayne Little, observed a substantial rise in group interest, with discussions focusing on sourcing Canadian alternatives for various consumer needs.
Similarly, online platforms providing details on Canadian products, like the “O SCANada” app, have experienced heightened user engagement. Developer Ryan Checora reported a surge in app downloads, emphasizing the importance of supporting homegrown products.
While some consumers prioritize price over national origin amid escalating trade tensions, others like Lauren Hung from Vancouver remain price-conscious when shopping for groceries. However, businesses such as Peace by Chocolate have witnessed increased support from Canadians, attributing it to the renewed Buy Canadian movement’s impact on consumer behavior.
As consumer awareness grows, there is a heightened emphasis on supporting local businesses and Canadian-made products, reflecting a shift in consumer sentiment towards favoring domestic goods over American imports.