From Tesla to Tofu: Canadians Turn Their Backs on U.S. Imports
Amid rising trade tensions between Canada and the United States, a growing number of Canadians are choosing to boycott American-made products as a form of economic protest. Frustrated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, many consumers are shifting their spending habits—from cars to groceries—in favor of homegrown alternatives.
This movement has gained traction even after the temporary one-month reprieve announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Trump on Monday, delaying the tariffs. For many Canadians, however, the uncertainty and perceived economic strong-arming by the U.S. have already left a lasting impact on their purchasing decisions.
Finance worker Michael Atkinson is among those making a statement with his wallet. A longtime fan of electric vehicles, he recently swapped his Tesla Model 3 for a Volkswagen ID.4, citing frustration over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s political ties and Trump’s approach to Canada-U.S. relations.
“It’s going to hurt Americans, it’s certainly going to hurt Canadians, and he’s using it as blackmail to try to make us consider being a 51st state,” said Atkinson, referring to the proposed tariffs. While still locked into the remainder of his Tesla lease, Atkinson felt strongly enough to make the switch, despite the added financial burden of paying off both vehicles.
Atkinson is not alone. Grocery shoppers like Andrea Mitchell in Vancouver have begun scrutinizing their purchases more carefully, prioritizing Canadian-grown food wherever possible. After selecting a pack of locally grown mushrooms, Mitchell said she believes supporting domestic products is a way to reinforce Canada’s sovereignty in the face of U.S. trade policies.
“I think it’s important to show that we stand together,” Mitchell said. “We’re a patriotic people, and we need to remind our neighbors that Canada is a valuable ally, not an economic pawn.”
Like many Canadians, she feels that the U.S. does not fully appreciate the support it receives from Canada, noting that Canada recently sent firefighters and water bombers to help battle California’s devastating wildfires.
For others, avoiding American-made goods has become a daily habit. Vancouver shopper Rick Piccolo now carefully checks product labels before making a purchase, ensuring his money stays in Canada or other non-U.S. markets.
“Trump is like a builder who only owns a hammer—everything he sees, he hits,” Piccolo said, frustrated with what he calls Trump’s simplistic and damaging approach to trade policy.
While some Canadians may not be able to afford the luxury of boycotting U.S. goods, the shift in consumer sentiment is being felt across multiple industries. Retailers and policymakers alike are taking notice, with some provincial governments removing certain U.S. products from liquor store shelves as a form of economic retaliation.
Marketing expert Keri Kettle, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management, notes that economic patriotism is becoming a strong driver of purchasing decisions.
“At a time when groceries are already expensive, some Canadians are making the choice to spend a little more to support domestic brands,” Kettle said. “It’s a show of national identity and a statement that Canada will not be bullied.”
Despite a 15% drop in Tesla rebates under Transport Canada’s zero-emission vehicle program compared to last year, Atkinson acknowledges that many Canadians are still purchasing American products. However, he believes the momentum is shifting, and he hopes more people will take action in their own ways—including rethinking travel to the U.S. and prioritizing Canadian-made goods whenever possible.
“We need to seriously think about whether we want to keep putting our money into the U.S. economy,” Atkinson said. “It’s tough, but we should try to buy Canadian whenever we can.”
As the tariff standoff continues to unfold, the question remains whether this shift in consumer behavior is a temporary reaction or the beginning of a longer-term movement toward economic independence.