Made in Canada vs. Product of Canada: Know the difference to ‘Buy Canadian’
UPDATE AS OF FEB. 3, 2025 AT 4:59 P.M. EASTERN: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the U.S. tariffs on Canada will be “paused” for 30 days. Read more about the announcement here.
As Canada braces for a trade war spurred by 25 per cent tariffs from the United States, there is a growing push to “buy Canadian” to support the local economy.
But looking at labels might feel confusing — what does it mean if something is “Made in Canada” vs. a “Product of Canada?”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged Canadians to pick local over U.S. options, from Canadian rye to a summer vacation in Canada, and Google searches for “buy Canadian” jumped on Feb. 1 when Trump announced the tariffs.
“Now is also the time to choose Canada,” Trudeau said in his remarks Saturday when announcing counter-tariffs on the U.S.
“There are many ways for you to do your part. It might mean checking the labels at the supermarket and picking Canadian-made products. It might mean opting for Canadian rye over Kentucky bourbon or forgoing Florida orange juice altogether.”
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods will go into effect on Tuesday, as will retaliatory tariffs on dozens of American goods.
Buying local products amid the trade war can help support Canada’s economy, experts say, as Canadian businesses are bracing for the impact of 25 per cent tariffs across the board, with 10 per cent on energy.
“I think we’re seeing a really big ‘Buy Canadian’ movement, which is great and I think it is going to help support the Canadian economy during these tariff tensions,” said Melissa Tehrani, partner and leader of national advertising and product regulatory group at Gowling WLG.
“I also think it’s going to encourage Canadian companies to source more raw material from
Read more on globalnews.ca
