Canadians boycott U.S. products, travel as new prime minister takes office

What you probably already know: Canadians are boycotting U.S. foods and refusing to travel to the country to protest the 25% tariffs President Donald Trump has enacted on the sale of country’s goods in the U.S. He has also threatened to ruin Canada’s economy and then annex the country, making in the 51st state. Canadians have begun booing the Star Spangled Banner at sporting events and have canceled trips south of the border.

Why? Trade between the U.S. and Canada was worth about $760 billion last year, and many manufacturers, like car companies, routinely send goods back and forth across the border multiple times during assembly. Now, Canada has a matching tariff on U.S. goods, which is driving up prices on both sides of the border. Canadians are deeply upset by Trump’s threats and actions, and it has created a sense of unity in the country against a shared enemy.

What it means: Canadians are replacing grocery items that were grown in the U.S. with Canadian products or seeking sources in Mexico instead. Some have said they’re canceling their Amazon Prime memberships, while others are refusing to buy wine and liquor made in the U.S. Ontario is implementing a 25% tariff on electricity exports to the U.S., which primarily service homes in Minnesota, Michigan and New York.

What happens now? Canada is the largest source of international visitors to the U.S. each year, which generates about $20.5 billion in spending and supports 140,000 American jobs, according to the US. Travel Association. Even a 10% reduction in trips would result in 14,000 job losses and a major hit to the U.S. economy. In a recent poll, 56% of Canadians said they will not travel to the U.S. anymore and 81% said they plan to increase buying Canadian-made products when shopping.