Avoiding US goods and services – from tech to whisky to air travel – has forced many to find a new way of living

Avoiding US goods and services – from tech to whisky to air travel – has forced many to find a new way of living

This week the US imposed 50% tariffs on US$20bn (£15bn) of Canadian goods, and Mark Carney, the country’s prime minister, has vowed to match them “dollar for dollar” after the collapse of trade talks between the two countries last weekend. Donald Trump retaliated on Thursday by ordering the federal government to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America.

Such actions have added fuel to a widespread boycott of US products and services by Canadians that began early last year in response to the president’s trade war and threats to annex his northern neighbour.

More than 3,500 people from across Canada shared with the Guardian via an online callout how they have made changes to their lives in response to the US administration’s political and economic stance. Many expressed deep anger and sadness, but remained resolute that this was now a new way of living.

  • Atomic@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    2·
    7 hours ago

    It depends on what it is you’re buying and how it’s getting there. If I’m ordering something from China. I’m not gonna get it shipped. Because that will take ages. It’ll go on a transport plane. And every single time I’ve ordered things, they’ve been flown to Germany first.

    Items being shipped between Europe and NA is not going on a detour to land in the US. Especially not if it’s imported by a vendor. The vendor will pick the cheapest option. And trucking through Canadian wilderness isn’t it.

    • BlaestEgnen@feddit.dkEnglish
      1·
      7 hours ago

      The vast majority of long distance goods is moved by containers. Because it’s the most effective, not fastest, but effective way of travel.

      Which is a big reason for warehouses existing, so you can buy your Chinese product. But it only needs to be send from a warehouse in Cologne, rather than as an individually shipped product from Shenzhen

      • Atomic@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        6 hours ago

        Buddy. I don’t need you to try and guess how my items arrive. I already know this. It’s literally printed on the package.

        It may be more effective to store it in a warehouse somewhere in cologne and use a vendor that sources it from there.

        But from what I’ve seen, it’s cheaper to buy it from China directly, and have it “shipped” (flown) over. Which is why I do it.

        Takes a few days extra. But you’ll pay less.