The Curator: Here’s where to shop K-beauty products in Canada

Montreal resident Philippe Meranger, 61, recently finished his grocery shopping in the city, holding various products in his arms. He expressed his support for buying Canadian goods to AFP, stating that tariffs hurt the economy but compel Canadians to purchase Canadian products. The trade conflict with the United States has sparked a wave of patriotism in Canada, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to encourage people to boycott American products more than ever.

Since US President Donald Trump initiated his tariff offensive last year, Canadians have largely boycotted US goods, with American wines and spirits vanishing from most shelves and the number of Canadian tourists visiting the US falling. The government aims to revitalize the movement.

Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne emphasized the importance of choosing Canadian products, asserting that purchasing Canadian goods not only puts pressure on the United States but also protects Canadian jobs. Industry Minister Melanie Joly added that supporting Canadian products contributes to both economic pressure on the US and job preservation in Canada.

Montreal supermarket manager Peter Gianopolis noted a noticeable difference in consumer behavior since the Canadian government halted trade negotiations with Washington. Customers now inquire about product origins and favor Canadian-made items, even if they are more expensive, often identifying products through labels and the maple leaf from the Canadian flag.

The boycott has extended to tourism, with some Canadians deciding not to vacation in the United States for several years. Lawyer Charlotte Dumonceau cited her decision not to visit the US for a few years. The tourism boycott, which led to a 25% decrease in Canadian travelers to the US last year, has seen a resurgence in recent months, with 2.3 million trips made from Canada to the US in June, a five percent increase compared to the previous year.

Tourism operators in some US border states are offering discounts to Canadians to attract more visitors. New York state has launched the "New York Loves Canada" initiative, providing promotions to Canadians through the end of the year.