Tariffs spark consumer boycott

Backlash weakens Washington's global image, causes drop in tourism: Experts

As governments worldwide scramble to navigate the United States' tariff roller coaster, consumers are voicing their discontent by shunning US products and travel destinations. This growing sentiment, experts warn, could undermine US soft power and damage its broader national interests.

Dissatisfaction with Washington's tariff threats and controversial statements — such as annexing Greenland and turning Canada into its "51st state" — has sparked a grassroots "Boycott USA" movement across Canada and Europe.

The slogan and related search terms have gained traction on social media and search engines, with users sharing lists of US brands to avoid and encouraging the purchase of local alternatives. According to Google Trends data, searches for "Boycott USA" have surged notably in Canada, Denmark, France and Switzerland.