8 in 10 Canadians checking product origin labels in response to U.S. tariffs

Potential U.S. tariffs could mean more Canadians voting with their wallets and opting for Canadian-made products, according to Field Agent’s latest survey of 1,083 Canadians and was conducted earlier this month. According to the survey, 80% of consumers are checking labels to look for alternatives produced outside of the U.S., in response to the possible imposition of 25% tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 1.

The numbers reveal that about eight in 10 Canadians are label-checking, spanning a multitude of CPG categories including groceries (83%), health and beauty items (81%) and alcoholic beverages (80%). Brand switching to Canadian mirrors those numbers, with 90% of Canadian respondents switching to a Canadian-made grocery brand when possible, followed by health and beauty (84%) and alcoholic beverages (83%).

Additionally, just 11% of respondents told Field Agent they would continue to buy their favourite grocery brands regardless of the tariffs, compared with 17% for health and beauty and 19% for alcoholic beverages.

Other non-retail actions that Canadians are considering include 29% saying they would cancel American streaming services like Netflix; 65% saying they would only consider non-U.S. car brands; and 68% saying that they would avoid visiting the United States for upcoming vacations.

According to Field Agent, there is potential blowback for U.S. retailers and foodservice chains with significant proportions of respondents indicating that they would not shop at specific U.S. retailers and restaurants. For example, about half of respondents report they will not shop at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Best Buy.

And 42% of Canadians said they would not shop at Home Depot, while 40% of respondents claim they would not eat at U.S.-based restaurant chains.

The initial tariff threat was postponed on Feb. 3 for one month after Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. However, Trump reiterated on Sunday that he plans to re-up a policy from his first term that includes 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, including from Canada and Mexico, the New York Times reports.