How are the tariffs going, Donald?

Not good, apparently.

Several countries have initiated or are continuing boycotts of American goods in response to President Trump’s tariffs, which include a 25% levy on imports from Canada and Mexico (with some exemptions) and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, implemented earlier this year. These actions have sparked retaliatory measures and consumer-driven boycotts, reflecting both economic and political pushback. Here’s the latest breakdown:

Countries Involved and Their Actions

Canada

Status: Canada has been a major player in boycotting U.S. goods since Trump’s tariffs were announced in February. Then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged citizens to “buy Canadian,” and this sentiment has gained significant traction.

Products Targeted:

Consumer boycotts focus on American-made items like Coca-Cola, Florida orange juice, and produce such as broccoli from California. Canadians are opting for local alternatives, like mushrooms labeled “Product of Canada” or sparkling water sweetened with Canadian maple syrup.

Specific sectors include fast food chains (McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Subway), retailers (Walmart, Home Depot), and brands like Starbucks.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford banned U.S. companies from provincial contracts and, alongside Nova Scotia, curbed sales of American liquor, pulling U.S.-made alcohol from shelves.

Government Response: Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on $21 billion worth of U.S. goods immediately, with plans for another $125 billion if U.S. tariffs persist, targeting items like motor vehicles, steel, beef, and pork.

Mexico

Status: Mexico has joined the boycott movement, with consumer and government actions escalating after the tariffs took effect on March 4, 2025, following a brief delay.

Products Targeted:

While specific consumer boycotts are less detailed, there’s a push to avoid U.S. goods where alternatives exist, particularly in food and manufacturing sectors.

Retaliatory tariffs are in the works, with President Claudia Sheinbaum announcing details on targeting U.S. soybeans, meat, and grains.

Context: Mexico’s economy is heavily tied to the U.S., with 80% of its exports going north, making tariffs particularly disruptive, especially for the auto industry.

China

Status: China’s response has been more government-driven than consumer-led, though public sentiment supports reducing reliance on U.S. goods.

Products Targeted:

China imposed a 10-15% tariff on a range of U.S. agricultural products, including meats, grains, cotton, fruits, vegetables, and dairy, effective after Trump’s latest 10% tariff hike on March 4, 2025.

This builds on earlier trade war tensions, where U.S. farmers lost significant market share to competitors like Brazil.

Additional Measures: China is also offloading U.S. dollars and bonds, signaling a broader economic distancing.

Other Potential Players

Japan: While not explicitly boycotting goods, Japan is reportedly offloading U.S. bonds ($1.06 trillion), indicating financial retaliation rather than a consumer boycott.

European Union: The EU hasn’t launched a formal boycott, but Trump’s threats of tariffs on EU goods (e.g., 25% on steel and aluminum) have sparked discussions. Consumer actions might emerge if tensions escalate, especially given existing trade imbalances in agri-food products.

Latest Developments

Canada’s Momentum: The “Buy Canadian” movement has grown, with the subreddit r/BuyCanadian nearly doubling to 151,000 members since January 2025. Retailers like Loblaws are labeling Canadian products (e.g., “Made in British Columbia”) to aid shoppers.

China’s Agriculture Focus: China’s tariffs hit U.S. farmers hard, echoing losses from Trump’s first-term trade war (estimated at $27 billion in export sales).

U.S. Adjustments: Trump has offered temporary reprieves (e.g., a one-month pause on some Canadian and Mexican tariffs in February, and exemptions for USMCA goods), but these haven’t quelled the backlash.

Products Most Affected

Food and Beverages: U.S. orange juice, tomatoes, pepperoni, Coca-Cola, wine, and spirits are prime boycott targets in Canada and potentially elsewhere.

Consumer Goods: American brands like Netflix, Tesla (linked to Trump ally Elon Musk), and retail chains (Walmart, Starbucks) face consumer pushback.

Agricultural Exports: U.S. soybeans, meat, grains, and dairy are hit by Chinese tariffs, with ripple effects possible in other markets.

Industrial Goods: Steel, aluminum, and auto parts are contentious due to government-level tariffs and bans.

What’s Next?

The situation remains fluid. Canada and Mexico are leveraging both consumer boycotts and tariffs to pressure the U.S., while China focuses on strategic retaliation. Sweden could get involved – rumours only at this stage – but if confirmed, could signal broader European participation. Trump’s next tariff phase, hinted for April 2, 2025, with “reciprocal tariffs,” could further inflame tensions. Meanwhile, U.S. consumers may face higher prices – estimated at nearly $1,000 per household annually – while countries like Canada warn of mutual economic harm if the trade war persists.

The economic fallout continues to evolve daily. For example, I read that Lindt chocolates (Switzerland) has jumped on the ‘screw America’ (my words) bandwagon, but if I don’t stop now this article could go on forever.

 

See also: What if Liberation Day goes pear shaped? Who gets the blame?

 

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