A Growing Movement: Europeans Boycott U.S. Products in Response to Trump’s Policies

Introduction: A Personal Protest Against U.S. Policies

Ivan Hansen, a 67-year-old retired Danish police officer, has found a unique way to voice his opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies. On his recent shopping trips, Hansen carefully selects products to avoid anything made in the United States, from Coca-Cola to California wine and almonds. For Hansen, this boycott is a personal stand against what he perceives as Trump’s bullying tactics, including the threat to seize Greenland, a Danish territory, and his ties to figures like Elon Musk, who has been accused of far-right leanings. Hansen’s shopping basket now includes dates from Iran, a choice that shocks him as he realizes he views the U.S. as a greater threat than Iran. “Trump really looks like a bully who tries in every way to intimidate, threaten others to get his way,” Hansen said, adding, “I will fight against that kind of thing.”

The Boycott Movement Gains Momentum Across Europe and Beyond

Hansen is not alone in his stance. A growing boycott movement is sweeping across Europe and Canada, with people actively avoiding U.S.-made products. Facebook groups dedicated to sharing tips on avoiding American goods have sprung up, with members exchanging ideas on finding European alternatives. The movement is particularly strong in the Nordic region, where Trump’s threats to Greenland have sparked outrage. Google Trends data shows a surge in searches for terms like “Boycott USA” and “Boycott America,” especially in Denmark, Canada, and France, following Trump’s announcement of new tariffs.

In Germany, the backlash against U.S.-linked brands has even turned violent, with four Teslas set on fire in Berlin. Tesla, now closely associated with Trump due to Musk’s controversial actions, has seen plummeting sales in Europe and Canada. For many, the boycott is more than just a consumer choice; it’s a political statement against Trump’s policies and what they see as a growing U.S. isolationism.

Choosing European Over American: A Shift in Consumer Behavior

The boycott movement has prompted European consumers to rethink their shopping habits. Elsebeth Pedersen, a resident of Faaborg, Denmark, recently purchased a new car and deliberately avoided U.S.-made models. “Before Elon Musk started to act like a maniac, a Tesla could have been an option. And maybe a Ford,” she said. Similarly, French entrepreneur Romain Roy, whose solar panel firm has annually purchased Tesla fleets since 2021, canceled his latest order in protest of Musk and Trump’s policies. Roy described the U.S. as “a country closing in on itself,” citing Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and Musk’s controversial gestures. Despite the additional cost of 150,000 euros ($164,000), Roy is now opting for European models.

In response to this shift, Denmark’s largest supermarket chain, the Salling Group, introduced a star-shaped label to identify European-made goods. CEO Anders Hagh emphasized that the label is not a call to boycott but a service to help consumers make informed choices. The initiative reflects a broader desire among Europeans to support homegrown products and distance themselves from American brands.

Emotional and Financial Sacrifices: Europeans Take a Stand

The boycott is not without its challenges, as many Europeans are forced to make emotional and financial sacrifices. Bo Albertus, a 57-year-old school principal and administrator of the Facebook group “Boykot varer fra USA” (Boycott goods from the U.S.), has given up favorite brands like Pepsi, Colgate toothpaste, and Heinz ketchup. “I really miss the strong taste of Colgate,” he admitted, though he has found a cheaper cola alternative. Jens Olsen, a carpenter and electrician, is considering replacing his $10,000 worth of U.S.-made DeWalt power tools, despite the significant cost.

Others, like Copenhagen resident Michael Ramgil Stæhr, have canceled trips to the U.S. and are making conscious choices to buy Danish or European products. Stæhr, who works with disabled war veterans, described Trump as “deadly dangerous” and linked his policies to global instability. “The man is already costing lives,” he said, referencing the impact on the developing world and Ukraine.

A French Farmer’s Call to Action: Boycott USA, Buy European

In France, farmer Edouard Roussez has launched a Facebook group called “Boycott USA, Buy French and European!” which has attracted over 20,000 members in just two weeks. Roussez believes that boycotting U.S. companies is an effective way to protest Trump’s policies, particularly what he describes as “the commercial and ideological war” against Europe. He specifically targets companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Tesla, which he claims financed Trump’s campaign. Ironically, Roussez’s group relies on Facebook, an American platform, to reach its audience. However, he is working to migrate the group to non-U.S.-funded platforms.

While the movement is gaining traction, its impact on U.S. exports or policymaking remains unclear. Olof Johansson Stenman, a professor of economics at the University of Gothenburg, doubts the boycott will significantly affect U.S. profits or prompt policy changes. However, he acknowledges the psychological impact it could have on Americans, as it highlights the scale of European anger.

The Personal and Psychological Toll of the Boycott

For many, the boycott is a moral imperative, even if it comes with personal sacrifices. Simon Madsen, a 54-year-old father of twins in Horsens, Denmark, has given up Pringles, Oreos, and Pepsi Max, though his family is hesitant to part with Netflix. He also grapples with complexities like avoiding Danish-made chocolate bars that use American almonds. Madsen believes that using the power of the purse is one of the few ways individuals can influence corporate behavior. “It’s the only weapon we’ve got,” he said.

As the movement grows, it reflects a deeper frustration with U.S. policies and a desire to assert European values and independence. While the boycott may not change Trump’s agenda, it serves as a powerful expression of dissent and solidarity among Europeans eager to distance themselves from what they see as an increasingly divisive America.