Canadian retailers are taking a firmer stance on US imports, moving beyond merely labeling goods as “made in Canada.” They’ve begun marking American-made products with a warning label “T” for “tariffs.”
On March 10, Loblaw Companies Ltd., which operates approximately 2,400 stores across Canada, announced plans to implement the ‘T’ label on US-imported items that may have recently experienced price increases due to tariffs. Shoppers have noticed these labels, impacting their purchasing decisions.
A recent poll by Leger, conducted on April 17, revealed that 76% of Canadians are increasingly buying locally made and sourced goods—marking the highest interest in Canadian products since mid-February.
Many Canadians are displaying a surge in national pride, a sentiment that some attribute to remarks made by former President Donald Trump about making Canada the “51st US state.” This growing patriotism is evident even in grocery stores, where Canadian goods often sell out quickly.
“I notice that all the grocery stores now label their produce as Canadian or American, and the Canadian options are always gone,” said Vancouver shopper Isabella Zavarise. She added that the trend reflects a conscious decision to avoid US products, not just for cost reasons, but as a matter of principle, despite their higher prices.
In particular, smaller grocery stores are feeling the impact of price increases connected to the ongoing trade dispute between the US and Canada. Recent reports indicate a year-over-year rise in the consumer price index, along with notable price hikes for American imports. For instance, a 100ml bottle of Tropicana orange juice is priced at a staggering $13.99 at Metro stores, a Canadian chain.
Amidst these developments, the US and Canada find themselves in an escalating trade conflict, with the US imposing tariffs of 25% on various Canadian consumer goods and 10% on Canadian energy imports. Canada has responded with counter-tariffs of 25% on US goods.