The movement, which began in Canada following the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on its exports, has swiftly spread to Mexico, Latin America, and several European nations. Iconic American brands, including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Starbucks, have faced mounting resistance from consumers.
In Canada, provincial leaders have taken decisive action. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on March 4 that American alcoholic beverages, including Kentucky bourbon, would be removed from government-run liquor stores.
Three additional provinces — Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia — have followed suit, impacting a majority of the country’s population. The move comes amid heightened tensions after President Trump suggested Canada could be annexed as the United States’ “51st state.”
Ford has also moved to terminate a 100 million Canadian dollar (US$70 million) contract with SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk. Trump has previously referred to Musk as his “First Buddy.”
In addition, the Ontario government has threatened to impose a 25 percent export tax on electricity supplied to approximately 1.5 million homes in Michigan, Minnesota, and New York.
“He’s going after his closest friends, his closest allies in the world, and it’s going to absolutely devastate both economies,” Ford said in a statement.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also urged citizens to prioritize domestic products, with local businesses showing solidarity. In a symbolic gesture, several cafes have rebranded “Americano” coffee as “Canadiano.”
Across the Atlantic, the boycott movement has gained traction in several European nations. Social media campaigns urging consumers to avoid American products have flourished in Denmark, Sweden, and France.
In Germany, Tesla has borne the brunt of consumer backlash. The country saw a 76 percent drop in new Tesla registrations last month compared with the previous year, even as overall electric vehicle sales increased by 31 percent in the same period.
The backlash intensified following Elon Musk’s public endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the country’s recent general election. The endorsement sparked widespread protests and anti-Tesla demonstrations.
Despite the growing momentum of the boycott movement, some analysts warn of unintended economic consequences. Canadian retailers, struggling with unsold American inventory, have reportedly resorted to mislabeling U.S. goods as Canadian-made to maintain sales.
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