The Surge of the "Buy Canadian" Movement
The "Buy Canadian" movement has gained significant momentum in recent weeks, fueled by growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada over tariffs and President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric. This surge in patriotism and economic nationalism has led many Canadians to actively seek out domestically made goods. At the heart of this movement is Dylan Lobo, the founder of Made in CA, an online directory dedicated to promoting Canadian-made products. Lobo has observed an unprecedented surge in traffic to his website, driven by a sense of national pride and frustration over Trump’s economic policies and rhetoric. The movement has become not just a symbolic act of patriotism but a practical way for Canadians to support their economy and businesses during these uncertain times.
Made in CA: A Hub for Domestic Shopping
Made in CA, founded in 2018 during Trump’s first term, has become a central hub for Canadians looking to purchase domestic goods. The website experienced steady growth since January, with sharp spikes in traffic whenever Trump criticized Canada or tariffs made headlines. The most significant surge occurred on January 21, the day after Trump’s inauguration, as Canadians began to realize that tariffs were becoming a reality. On February 1, when Trump signed executive orders imposing 25% tariffs on most Canadian goods, Made in CA hit a record high, with over 100,000 readers in a single day. This trend continued, with traffic quadrupling on March 4 when Canada responded to U.S. tariffs with its own retaliatory measures. The website has become a go-to resource for Canadians wanting to support local businesses and workers.
The Spike in Google Searches for "Made in Canada"
Google Trends data reveals a significant spike in searches for "Made in Canada" in February, reaching their highest levels on record. Similarly, searches for "Buy Canadian" peaked that week, reaching their highest level in over five years, with February recording the most searches for the term in nearly a decade. This sharp increase in online interest reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, as Canadians actively seek out Canadian-made products. The surge in search traffic highlights the growing awareness and support for domestic goods, driven by the current political and economic climate. Canadians are not just talking about buying Canadian; they are taking action by searching for and purchasing local products.
The Arrival of Retaliatory Measures
The trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada have led to a series of retaliatory measures. On March 4, Canada responded to U.S. tariffs with its own tariffs on U.S. goods. Made in CA saw another surge in traffic that day, with Lobo reporting that traffic quadrupled. However, the situation escalated further when Trump announced a temporary delay on tariffs for USMCA-compliant goods from Canada but later threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs as high as 250% on Canadian dairy and lumber. Meanwhile, Ontario province slapped a 25% tax on electricity exports to three U.S. states. Trump responded by threatening an additional 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum coming into the U.S. from Canada, bringing the tariff rate on those imports to 50%. These tit-for-tat measures have only intensified the "Buy Canadian" movement, as Canadians seek to protect their economy and industries.
Impact on Canadian Businesses
The "Buy Canadian" movement has had a significant impact on Canadian businesses, with many small businesses boycotting U.S. products. In Ontario and New Brunswick, provincially owned alcohol retailers have removed U.S.-made alcohol from store shelves, replacing them with Canadian products. "Buy Canadian instead" signs are now on display in some liquor stores, encouraging consumers to support local businesses. The movement has also inspired Canadians to submit products to Made in CA, with Lobo receiving thousands of submissions and hundreds of emails from Canadians eager to support local businesses. While the movement has brought opportunities for Canadian businesses, it has also created challenges, as businesses navigate the complexities of trade tensions and supply chain disruptions.
A Nationwide Call to Action
The "Buy Canadian" movement has become a nationwide call to action, with Canadians from all walks of life participating in the effort to support local businesses and workers. Dylan Lobo has become a key figure in this movement, encouraging Canadians to buy Canadian products even if it means spending a little more. "The easiest thing to do is just buy a Canadian product," he told Business Insider. "You might spend a little bit more, but at least you’re helping a small business with Canadian workers." This message has resonated with many Canadians, who see the movement as a way to not only support their economy but also to assert their national identity in the face of external pressures. As the trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue to evolve, the "Buy Canadian" movement shows no signs of slowing down, with thousands of Canadians committed to supporting Canadian-made products.
