### The Boycott of American Products by Canadians and Danes
In recent months, a notable trend has emerged among Canadian and Danish consumers: a growing grassroots movement to boycott American products. This movement is a form of protest against U.S. policies—particularly those implemented under the administration of former President Donald Trump—that have strained international relationships.
#### Canadian Consumer Sentiment
The sentiment among Canadians has been exemplified by individuals like Todd Brayman, a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. Mr. Brayman has taken a conscious step to stop purchasing his favorite Californian wines, opting instead for locally produced alternatives. He embodies a broader sentiment across Canada, where consumers are increasingly seeking to support Canadian businesses in light of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. These tariffs, which included significant duties on steel, aluminum, and various consumer goods, have prompted Canadians to respond by purchasing domestic products.
“Right now, it’s time to stand up and be counted,” Brayman states, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses rather than leaning on American brands. His efforts have led him to replace not just his wine, choosing a local brand called Luckett Phone Box Red, but to actively seek out Canadian products whenever possible. However, he acknowledges the challenges posed by misleading labels on imported goods, prompting him to utilize a mobile app called Maple Scan. This app allows users to scan barcodes to verify the origins of products and suggests local alternatives when American goods are identified.
#### The Danish Boycott Movement
Across the Atlantic, the sentiment is mirrored in Denmark, particularly in response to President Trump’s controversial remarks about purchasing Greenland, a territory of Denmark. Such political comments have galvanized many Danish citizens into action, with individuals like Bo Albertus actively participating in consumer boycotts against U.S. products. Albertus has canceled subscriptions to popular American streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus as a form of protest, voicing his commitment to voting with his wallet. He administers a Facebook group with over 90,000 members, where fellow Danes exchange recommendations for local products to replace American brands.
Danish shopkeeper Mette Heerulff Christiansen has also joined the movement by consciously removing American products, like Cheetos and Hershey’s chocolate, from her store shelves, choosing instead to stock Danish and European alternatives. Her decision reflects a larger desire to channel frustration over U.S. policies into consumer choices; even simple substitutions like swapping Coca-Cola for the Danish brand Jolly Cola have become political statements.
#### The Economics and Future of Boycotts
Despite the emotional impetus behind these boycotts, experts weigh in on their potential economic impact. Douglas Irwin, an economics professor at Dartmouth College, cautions that consumer boycotts typically have limited longevity and that their effectiveness in terms of reducing trade with the U.S. is difficult to gauge. While initial feeling may catalyze the movement, history shows that boycotts often wane over time.
Nevertheless, the desire to buy local has already had tangible effects on Canadian businesses. Reports indicate that weekly sales of Canadian products are surging, with initiatives like “Made In Alberta” gaining increased traction and site visits. Conversely, U.S. producers are grappling with cancellations and reduced orders, highlighting the immediate consequences of escalating tensions and tariffs on trade. Ryan Christiansen, president of Caledonia Spirits, a Vermont distillery, lamented a canceled order to Quebec that directly resulted from increased tariffs.
#### Conclusion
The grassroots boycotts of American products in Canada and Denmark are more than just consumer behavior; they represent a broader political statement against U.S. foreign policy and trade practices. By choosing to buy local, these consumers are expressing their discontent while stimulating their economies. While the long-term sustainability of such movements remains uncertain, the immediate effects on both sides of the Atlantic are noteworthy and indicative of changing consumer dynamics in the wake of political uncertainty.