Amid the initiation of tariffs by the United States on Canada early in 2025, Francine Piché has consciously shifted away from purchasing American goods. “In our household,” stated the resident of Burlington, Ont., “we prioritize Canadian products, then non-U.S. options, and avoid American products whenever possible.”
Piché has actively sought alternative brands for personal care items, terminated her Amazon subscription, and scrapped plans for a visit to New York to limit her financial support to the U.S., only resorting to American products when no other choices are available.
Following the enforcement of new 50 percent U.S. tariffs after the latest trade negotiations collapsed, Piché has decided to eliminate any remaining exceptions. Her family intends to discontinue their American streaming service subscriptions upon renewal, and she plans to forego some gluten-free American-made foods she enjoys, despite the absence of substitutes.
“My determination has grown stronger,” affirmed Piché. “That’s my way of fighting back.”
With consumers previously turning away from American goods over a year ago, the resurgence of trade tensions has reignited the Buy Canadian movement, prompting some individuals to shift even more towards Canadian products.
The Made in Canada Facebook group has seen a surge in new members, with over 1.4 million participants sharing information on Canadian-made products or alternatives to American ones. The group’s page views have spiked by about 300 percent this August compared to June 2026, indicating a heightened interest in Canadian products.
The Buy Canadian movement has also propelled an increase in traffic for platforms and apps providing details on Canadian products. The O SCANada app, developed by Ryan Checora, which allows users to scan barcodes and access product origin details, experienced over 4,000 downloads in a recent weekend, signifying a renewed interest in supporting Canadian businesses.
Although some consumers prioritize price over product origin, the escalating trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. have led to a shift in shopping habits for discretionary items. Despite some challenges, certain Canadian brands like Peace by Chocolate have witnessed heightened support from customers, reflecting a surge in backing for Canadian businesses.
Overall, the Buy Canadian movement has gained momentum, with consumers demonstrating a stronger inclination towards Canadian products and a reluctance to offer the U.S. administration further opportunities for trade disputes.