‘Anything but the United States’: Canada’s boycott movement intensifies

“Anything but the United States” has become a rallying cry in Canada as a trade dispute with Washington spills into consumer choices, public procurement and travel plans. Campaigns using the slogans ABUS and ABUSA urge Canadians to avoid American products and destinations, while “Elbows up,” a hockey expression for strong defense, has become another call for resistance.

The movement grew after trade negotiations between the two countries broke down on the 22nd and the United States announced 50% retaliatory tariffs on Canada. Tensions had already risen after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% emergency tariff, citing fentanyl flows and inadequate border controls. His decision to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” further inflamed Canadian opposition.

Canadian provinces have removed American bourbon and other U.S. alcohol from store shelves and stopped supplying it to restaurants. Consumers are buying domestic products and using smartphone apps to check where goods were made. Provincial programs such as Nova Scotia Royal and Protect Ontario promote local products through labeling schemes.

Public institutions are also favoring Canadian suppliers. Quebec allows bids from U.S. companies without an in-province operation to be assessed as much as 25% higher in some tenders. Ontario canceled public contracts with U.S. companies including SpaceX’s Starlink. Canadian “snowbirds” are selling U.S. property and boats, while choosing domestic, Mexican or European destinations instead of winter trips to Florida, Arizona and California. Some are also avoiding U.S. airlines and flights that connect through the United States.

The changes have hurt imports and visitor numbers in states that rely heavily on Canadian travelers, including Florida, New York and Nevada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut electricity exports if U.S. tariffs are not withdrawn. Canadian governments are also considering tighter export conditions for critical minerals used in advanced industries. A July Angus Reid poll found that 40% of Canadian grocery shoppers actively checked product origins, with most trying to avoid U.S. goods. Jane, a teacher in Ontario, said, “I will absolutely not support the United States economically while the Trump administration is in power, and frankly, I may never support it again. In my view, the relationship between the two countries has been permanently damaged.”

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I will absolutely not support the United States economically while the Trump administration is in power, and frankly, I may never support it again. In my view, the relationship between the two countries has been permanently damaged.