Canadians told Business Insider that the breakdown in negotiations could reignite their boycott.
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Canadians have long been boycotting American goods. Then came the latest wave of tariffs.Trade talks between the US and Canada fell apart on Friday, and the US enforced a 50% tariff on some Canadian goods the following day. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney quickly proposed dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs.Many Canadians were already fed up with their neighbors down south. Some previously chose to stop buying American products; others suspended their travel to America.On social media and in interviews with Business Insider, Canadians say that the breakdown in talks has reinvigorated their push to stop buying US goods.A national rallying cryCarney quickly worked to turn the tariffs into a unifying force."Canada has what the world wants," he wrote on Friday night. "We will not allow any nation to determine our future. We will set our own course to keep Canada strong for all."It's hard to know whether the messaging works, though there are some signs. Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer wrote on X that he had never seen Canadians from all political viewpoints "so angry" with the US.Time to launch a full blown no holds barred boycott of American products and services. Trump wants a fight, let’s bring it. Who’s with me?— Bruce Anderson (@bruceanderson) August 23, 2026
