Are you buying local? Country may soon see resurgence of buy Canadian campaign amid ongoing trade war

Retail analyst Bruce Winder says some retailers cannot ‘absorb’ the shock of a 50 per cent tariff on their products, so prices will need to increase.

The escalation of the trade dispute between Canada and the United States has led to a resurgence in interest to buy local, one retail expert says.

Momentum for the buy Canadian movement appeared to have waned in recent months amid ongoing negotiations and speculation that a deal could be reached between the two countries.

But the implementation of a new round of tariffs by the U.S. over the weekend reignited the campaign for many Canadians who are once again looking to find alternative products and services that are produced within the country’s borders.

Margaret Chapman, of Narrative Research, told The Canadian Press that polling has shown many shoppers are willing to pay more for Canadian products.

Loblaw has also returned T symbol labels to identify products affected by tariffs.

Retail analyst Bruce Winder told CP24 that Canadians will soon start to feel the impact of the counter-tariffs announced by Canada, which come into effect on Sept. 8, 2026.

Tariffs will be imposed on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports on goods ranging from cosmetics to kitchen appliances. Tariffs range from 15 to 50 per cent.

“It is going to take some time for some of the inventory to work through with the lower-priced goods,” Winder said.

“Retailers will try to cushion it as much as they can. But when you are look at 50 per cent, you can’t absorb all of that… they are going to have to raise some prices.”

He said the extent of the impact will depend on how long the tariffs continue.

“If it keeps up, if it goes on for several months, some retailers will close, retail sales will go down, they’ll have to lay off people,” he said.

“It is just a negative doom loop for our economy overall.”

Speaking to various U.S. news outlets, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said Canadians will continue to support local businesses over goods produced south of the border.

“We, as Canadians, are having a buy local, love local campaign,” she said, noting that people are regularly checking labels at grocery stores to see what products are Canadian.

Are you changing your buying habits as a result of the ongoing trade war with the United States? If so, how are you changing your spending? Do you have a list of favourite Toronto stores or local brands you regularly support? We want to hear from you.

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With files from The Canadian Press