According to Research Co.’s latest public opinion survey, 63% of Canadian respondents report they will avoid purchasing goods originated from the United States.
The survey came after U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% tariffs on Canadian energy, which were set to take effect on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later announced retaliatory tariffs of 25% on U.S. goods, also planned for Tuesday, while Canadian provinces and cities have also announced measures like the removal of U.S. alcohol from liquor stores, among others. Late Monday, Trudeau announced that the U.S. agreed to postpone the tariffs by a month.
During those chaotic few days, Research Co. polled approximately 1,000 adults on Sunday (Feb. 2) for an online survey, which found the majority of Canadians are willing to modify their consumer habits in light of the Trump administration’s tariffs. More than two-in-five Canadians (41%) planned to avoid American restaurant franchises in Canada, while 31% said they would avoid American entertainment options and 26% intended to cancel a planned trip to the United States.
The numbers also revealed that 75% of Canadians want to enhance trade with other partners around the world.
When asked about specific options for Canada, at least three quarters of Canadian respondents favour bolstering trade with Australia and New Zealand (78%), the European Union (77%), Japan (75%) and Mexico (also 75%).
More than four-in-five Canadians (87%) have followed news related to the tariffs “very closely” or “moderately closely.”
Canadians are divided over what will transpire in the next six months, with 41% expecting the recently implemented tariffs on Canadian products to be rescinded by the American
government, and 34% foreseeing their expansion.
Finally, more than half of Canadians (54%) approve of the performance of outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his dealings with the tariff implementation, while 47% feel the same way about Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
The Trump administration also announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and 10% tariffs on China. On Monday afternoon, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Trump agreed to pause tariffs on Mexican goods for one month.
