When Lynn Henderson walks into her local grocery store in British Columbia, she has one label at the top of her mind: “Made in Canada.” The 47-year-old is among a drive of Canadian consumers who are attempting to boycott U.S. products in a show of solidarity amid the ongoing trade war. It costs more, she admits, but it’s worth “knowing that money is staying here in Canada and not going south at the border.” The resurgence of the “Buy Canadian” movement comes amid a deepening U.S.-Canada trade dispute that shows no signs of waning. Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods took effect Tuesday, with Prime Minister Mark Carney matching the economic pressure imposed by the U.S. after trade negotiations collapsed last month.
The U.S. has since announced a ban on Canadian dairy, motorcycles, and most alcoholic beverages. It’s all unfolding against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly talking of his ambitions to annex Canada and make it the 51st state.
While Carney’s government is going toe-to-toe with the Trump Administration, he’s urging the general population to take action, too. A Build Canada poll conducted Aug. 31-Sept. 4 found that many are already making sacrifices at the tills, as 69% of respondents reported “choosing Canadian products despite higher prices” and 55% said they had “stopped buying specific American brands.” Reports also indicate a surge in demand for Canadian products. As the trade war stretches on, here’s what to know about the revitalized “Buy Canadian” movement, the people behind the U.S. products boycott, and what the data says about the effectiveness of the consumer-driven action.
Campaigns promoting Canadian-made goods date back at least to the early 20th century, when Canadian manufacturers began pushing their “Made in Canada” products. Among consumers, the effort has evolved into the “Buy Canadian” initiative, which encourages residents to support local businesses and industries as much as they can. The movement skyrocketed last year in the midst of the trade war sparked by Trump’s tariffs.
Businesses and consumers alike vowed to shun U.S. products, with Canada-based media publishing advisories on “how to shop Canadian." As the tariffs loomed in February 2025, a survey by accounting firm KPMG found that 93% of consumers wanted retailers and grocery stores to identify and promote Canadian products. In late 2025, the Canadian government launched the “Buy Canadian Policy, to protect and prioritize Canadian workers and industries, and strengthen Canada’s domestic economy.” Henderson, a public relations consultant, says Trump’s threats against Canada’s sovereignty last year signified a turning point. It's really hurtful.” The reignited trade rift has revived Henderson’s passion for patriotic shopping, and she’s actively refrained from purchasing items, such as a new iPhone, that don’t align with her efforts.
Henderson’s efforts extend beyond traditional shopping, as she’s also now avoiding U.S. travel. It used to be very common to just [cross over] and go to Seattle, go to Trader Joe's, or outlet malls, and we will not do that now,” she says. ”We’d rather explore Canada.” Consumers in Canada are finding different ways to navigate how best to boycott U.S. goods and services, putting extra time in at the grocery store to ensure they are buying Canadian as often as they can. Although she prioritizes Canadian products, Henderson is also open to items from other countries.
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