Stockholm, Sweden – Scandinavian countries along with Canada are leading a global trend where some consumers are turning away from US goods in response to President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on products worldwide.
In recent weeks, multiple Facebook groups have been created to organize boycotts and campaigns. For instance, a Swedish group named “Bojkotta varor fran USA” which translates to “Boycott goods from the US” in Swedish, had nearly 80,000 members at last count.
The primary goal of these groups is to defend democracy, self-determination, and security while exerting pressure on the Trump administration through boycotts. Many Canadian groups with similar objectives have also emerged on Facebook, in addition to a French group advocating for the purchase of French and European goods over American products.
Although there is limited data available to measure the impact of these campaigns, one notable product affected has been Tesla. Sales of the electric car brand in Europe saw a significant decline in January, dropping by 45% compared to the same period the previous year.
In Canada, there is a strong sentiment against US goods, exacerbated by Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on the country. This has fueled anti-Trump sentiments among Canadians, leading to a resurgence in support for the Liberal party.
Canadian businesses and organizations have also taken steps to promote “Buy Canadian” campaigns, with initiatives like the “Made in CA” website gaining popularity. Furthermore, apps have been developed to help consumers identify US products while shopping.
In Europe, companies are also joining the movement by taking action against US firms. For example, a major Danish retailer has introduced a labeling system to distinguish European products, while a Norwegian company announced it would no longer supply fuel to US navy ships.
Overall, the backlash against US products is being felt not just in Canada and Europe but potentially worldwide, as consumers seek alternatives to American goods in response to tariffs and political tensions. As the situation evolves, the impact on sales for US companies in different regions will be closely monitored.