How trade disputes are changing the way Canadians Shop

Trade disputes between the United States and Canada have never been just about economics —they influence how people see their country, and even their everyday shopping habits. When tariffs and trade tensions flare up, so does Canada’s pride, and Canadians are reading to fight back. More people are rethinking where they shop, what they buy, and how they feel about doing business with the U.S. 

Recent polling from our sister organization, the Angus Reid Institute suggests that many Canadians are responding to trade disputes by adjusting the way they spend their money, like choosing Made in Canada products over American alternatives. But we are all wondering if this new form of economic nationalism is a temporary reaction, or a lasting change in consumer loyalty? 

What Is Economic Nationalism? 

Economic nationalism is the idea that a country should prioritize its own industries, businesses, and workforce over products coming from the rest of the world. Here in Canada, this often looks like: 

• Supporting Canadian-made products over imports. 

• Choosing local brands and businesses to strengthen the national economy. 

• Boycotting foreign goods, especially in response to political or trade disputes. 

Canadians have always backed free trade, but recent U.S. trade policies—like tariffs on steel and aluminum—have sparked a push to rely on more homegrown products and industries. 

How Trade Disputes Spark National Pride 

When the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, it wasn’t just politicians who reacted—the Canadian public took notice, too. Polling from our friends at the Angus Reid Institute reveals that: 

•  73% of Canadians now hold an unfavorable view of the U.S., a sharp rise since the trade disputes began. 

•  70% support retaliatory tariffs on key U.S. goods as a response. 

•  35% say they are actively avoiding American products when possible. 

This data suggests that for many Canadians, where they spend their money is more than just a choice—it’s a way to stand up to U.S. trade policies. 

How Consumer Behavior Is Changing 

Economic nationalism isn’t just about sentiment—it’s about real changes in consumer behavior. In response to trade tensions polls from the Angus Reid Institute revealed: 

•  78% of Canadians say they are deliberately buying more Canadian-made goods. 

•  48% have reconsidered travel to the U.S., with some canceling plans. 

•  66% support a blanket 25% tariff on U.S. goods, even if it raises costs at home. 

This suggests that economic nationalism isn’t just talk—people are acting on it with their wallets. 

The Future of the “Buy Canadian” Movement 

While trade disputes often spark short-term shifts in consumer behavior, the question is whether this wave of economic nationalism will last. Our opinion is: 

•  Canadian businesses can benefit long-term if consumer loyalty stays strong. 

•  A prolonged trade dispute could reshape supply chains, making Canada less dependent on U.S. goods. 

•  Future political changes in the U.S. could ease tensions, bringing back more cross-border trade. 

For now, many Canadians are standing firm, showing that trade isn’t just about money—it’s about identity and the choices people make every day. 

The Takeaway 

Trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada have fueled a surge in economic nationalism and changing views of the U.S., with many Canadians actively choosing to support local products, businesses, and industries. While it’s uncertain how long this trend will last, one thing is clear—when trade policies shift, consumer behavior shifts with it. 

Want more insights on how Canadians are reacting to trade disputes?
Check out the latest research from the Angus Reid Institute: Read More.