Canada urges citizens to buy local goods after Trump’s 100% tariff threat, warns of external economic risks

What happened: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney appealed to citizens to prioritize locally made products after Donald Trump threatened 100 percent tariffs on Canadian goods.

• Why it matters now: The warning highlights a growing economic standoff between the two countries that could disrupt trade flows and prices.

• What changes for people: Canadians may face costlier imports, pushing households and businesses toward domestic alternatives.

• Who is affected: Local manufacturers, exporters, consumers and cross-border traders.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged citizens to shift their spending toward homegrown products, saying the country must brace for potential shocks after Trump issued a fresh tariff threat targeting Canadian exports.

In a video message released from Ottawa, Carney said Canada’s economy is facing significant external pressure, and the best defence is to strengthen internal resilience.

Focus on what we can control

Carney emphasised that global uncertainties, especially sudden foreign tariff moves, are beyond Canada’s influence. “We must concentrate on what lies within our control and support sectors that keep our economy stable,” he said.

Tariff threat raises concern among businesses

Trump’s proposed 100 percent tariff has triggered anxiety among Canadian exporters, particularly those in manufacturing, agriculture and consumer goods. Economists warn that such a levy could raise retail prices and slow trade flows between two deeply integrated markets.

Why this matters for ordinary Canadians

If tariffs are implemented, imported items from the US could become pricier, while Canadian businesses may shift production strategies to rely more on domestic sourcing. Carney’s appeal is an attempt to pre-empt economic disruption by strengthening internal demand.