
What the New Canada-U.S. Tariffs Mean for Your Wallet
As of February 4, 2025, the U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on many Canadian imports, and Canada has responded with its own 25% tariffs on U.S. goods. While these changes may seem like government policy issues, they will directly impact Canadian consumers in ways that may not be immediately obvious.
Rather than sudden price hikes, expect:
Shrinkflation: Product sizes getting smaller while prices remain the same.
Gradual price increases: Small, steady increases instead of a single large jump.
Hidden supply chain costs: Even some Canadian-made products could see price hikes if they rely on U.S. materials.
What does this mean for you?
Everyday goods like groceries, household items, personal care products, and vehicles could get more expensive, whether suddenly or slowly over time. The best way to protect yourself? Buy from Canadian and international brands that aren't subject to these tariffs.

Which Products Will See the Biggest Price Increases?
If you buy U.S.-made products, expect higher costs, some immediately and others over time. Here's a comparison of popular U.S. brands and Canadian or international alternatives that will not be affected by the tariffs.
Canadian & International Alternatives to Popular U.S. Brands
U.S. Brands (Likely to Increase in Price)
Canadian & International Alternatives (Tariff-Free)*
Category | U.S. Brands (Likely to Increase in Price) | Canadian and International Alternatives (Tariff-Free) |
Groceries | Kraft, Kelloggs, General Mills | President’s Choice (https://www.presidentschoice.ca/) No Name (https://www.loblaws.ca/no-name) Nature’s Path (https://www.naturespath.com/) |
Bath and Body Care | Neutrogena, Olay, Dove | Propre Body Care (https://www.proprebodycare.ca/) Consonant Skincare (https://consonantskincare.com/) Rocky Mountain Soap Company (https://www.rockymountainsoap.com/) |
Clothing | Gap, Nike, Levi's | Roots (https://www.roots.com/) Lululemon (https://shop.lululemon.com/) Franc (https://wearfranc.com/) Uniqlo (Japan) (https://www.uniqlo.com/ca/en) |
Household Cleaning | Tide, Lysol, Clorox | Attitude (https://attitudeliving.com/) Nature Clean (https://natureclean.ca/) Ecover (Belgium) (https://www.ecover.com/) |
Furniture | Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy | Structube (https://www.structube.com/) IKEA (Sweden) (https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/) |
Electronics and Tech | Dell, HP, Microsoft | Mindable (Canada) (https://mindable.com/) Samsung (South Korea) (https://www.samsung.com/ca/) Sony (Japan) (https://www.sony.ca/) Asus (Taiwan) (https://www.asus.com/ca/) |
Automotive | Ford, Chevrolet, Tesla | Toyota (Japan) (https://www.toyota.ca/) Honda (Japan) (https://www.honda.ca/) Hyundai (South Korea) (https://www.hyundaicanada.com/) Volkswagen (Germany) (https://www.vw.ca/) |
Beverages | Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestlea | Canada Dry (https://www.canadadry.ca/) Clearly Canadian (https://www.clearlycanadian.com/) San Pellegrino (Italy) (https://www.sanpellegrino.com/ca/en) |
Pet Food | Purina, Pedigree, Iams | Nutrience (https://nutrience.com/) Orijen (https://www.orijenpetfoods.com/) Acana (Canada) (https://www.acana.com/en_CA/home.jsp) |
Sport Equipment | Wilson, Spalding, Under Armour | Bauer (https://www.bauer.com/) Adidas (Germany) (https://www.adidas.ca/en) |
*This table is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or affiliation with any brand or company mentioned. Product availability, pricing and tariff impacts are subject to change, and consumers should verify details with retailers or manufacturers before making purchasing decisions. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. No representation is made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.

Q&A: How to Avoid Price Hikes from Tariffs and Shop Smarter
Q: Will every American product cost more?
Not necessarily. While many U.S. imports will increase in price, some companies manufacture outside of the U.S. and won’t be directly impacted. However, if a product is assembled in or relies on materials from the U.S., it is likely to become more expensive over time.
Q: How can I make sure I'm buying tariff-free products?
Look for "Made in Canada" on packaging or check for international origins from Japan, South Korea, or Europe.
Use resources like Made in CA to find verified Canadian-made brands.
Watch for "Assembled in the U.S." on packaging, as these products will likely see price increases.
Q: Are international alternatives as good as U.S. brands?
Yes! Brands like Toyota, Samsung, Uniqlo, and Adidas have built a reputation for quality, affordability, and innovation, and they won't be impacted by U.S.-Canada tariff increases.
Q: Can buying Canadian or international brands save me money?
Absolutely. By switching to Canadian or non-U.S. international alternatives, you can avoid tariff-driven price hikes, keep your spending more predictable and avoid the 25% tariffs.
How to Beat Tariff Inflation and Shop Smarter
Check Labels Before You Buy: Look for "Made in Canada" or international origins, avoiding U.S. manufacturing where possible.
Monitor Prices: Keep an eye on sudden hikes and shrinkflation in your favorite products.
Explore International Brands: Consider high-quality brands from Japan, South Korea, Germany, and other countries unaffected by the tariffs.
Stock Up on Essentials: If you rely on U.S. brands, buy in bulk now to avoid future price increases.
Support Local and Global Alternatives: Shopping Canadian and international helps mitigate costs and supports economic resilience.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 tariffs will have a lasting impact on Canadian consumers. By choosing Canadian-made and international brands, you can bypass price hikes, support diverse economies, and get more value for your money.
Know any great Canadian or international brands? Share them in the comments and let's help each other shop smarter!
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