The “Buy Canadian” movement in Canada has caused disruption for U.S.-based consumer companies that typically sell their products on Canadian retail shelves. California-based diaper maker Parasol Co was working on expanding its products to new retailers in Canada, but the distributor halted the deal due to growing anti-American sentiment in the country. This unexpected disruption reflects the impact of patriotic consumerism in Canada, triggered by actions such as U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies and tariffs on Canadian products.
One Canadian shopper, Rebecca Asselin, has been using social media to share her story of switching to Canadian-made products, such as Royale diapers made by Irving Personal Care in Moncton, New Brunswick. Irving Personal Care has experienced an increase in demand for its products, as Canadian consumers seek out domestic options over U.S.-made goods. This shift in consumer behavior has affected not only the diaper industry, but also the market for drinks, citrus fruit, and liquor products from the U.S.
Companies like Brown Forman, maker of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, and GT’s Living Foods, known for its Synergy kombucha products, have reported a decrease in orders from Canadian retailers due to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Some retailers, including Walmart, Loblaw’s, and Metro, are being cautious in their purchasing decisions and are prioritizing local Canadian products. This has led to a decrease in orders for U.S.-based manufacturers and an increased focus on Canadian-made products.
Demeter Fragrances, a family-owned business based in Pennsylvania, has decided to halt its plans to expand into Canada due to the shift in Canadian sentiment towards American products. Similarly, Grime Eater Products Limited, a Canadian manufacturer of hand cleaning products, has seen an opportunity for growth as Canadian retailers consider reducing their offerings of U.S. rival products in favor of domestic options. This change in consumer preference has created challenges for U.S.-based companies looking to enter the Canadian market.
The Buy Canadian movement is driven by a desire for economic independence and a sense of national pride among Canadian consumers. The impact of this movement is being felt by U.S.-based companies that rely on the Canadian market, forcing them to reassess their strategies and market penetration efforts in light of changing consumer preferences. As the trade landscape continues to evolve, companies will need to adapt to the shifting dynamics and consider alternative approaches to reaching Canadian consumers in a challenging market environment.
