Yahoo Canada is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Trump's 'unjustified' 25% tariffs have begun. Here's how to buy Canadian during a trade war: List of Canadian brands to shop

Here are the key differences between "Made in Canada" and "Product of Canada" and how to buy each as Trump's tariffs take effect.

Kayla Kuefler
·Senior Shopping & Lifestyle Editor
buy canadian, canadian flag, canada and shopping cart
How to buy Canadian during a trade war (Getty).

After weeks of threatening to impose tariffs on its largest trading partners, U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the trigger early Tuesday morning, effectively launching a trade war with Canada and Mexico at 12:01 a.m.

Despite economists predicting Trump's tariffs will raise prices for American consumers, the U.S. president went ahead with his 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, in addition to an additional 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded in kind to Trump's "unjustified" tariffs, kicking off 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs against $155 billion of American goods, starting with levies on $30 billion worth of goods immediately.

Since Trump took office in January, many Canadians have felt a new wave of patriotism, consciously choosing to buy made-in-Canada products in lieu of American alternatives. With the trade war in effect, the push to buy Canadian will likely continue to grow.

For those devoted to buying Canadian at the grocery store, a host of new phone apps help identify domestic products. However, finding Canadian alternatives to American cleaning and personal care products, fashion, and homeware can be more challenging — challenging but not impossible.

Yahoo Canada's shopping editors will be updating and adding to our How to buy Canadian guide over the coming days and weeks, so make sure to check back regularly for the latest Canadian brands, products and businesses to support. Don't see a brand you love? Email us at yahoo.canada.lifestyle.editors@yahooinc.com

"Made in Canada" vs. "Product of Canada" vs. "Canadian owned" vs. "Based in Canada" — what's the difference?

Unlike at the grocery store, where "made in Canada" labelling is made clear, the origins of fashion, beauty, personal care and home brands can be difficult to decipher. Is "made in Canada" the same as "based in Canada?" What about a Canadian brand no longer 100 per cent Canadian-owned, like Hudson's Bay and Tim Hortons?

To satisfy a "Product of Canada" claim, Canada's Competition Bureau requires non-food products to meet a "higher threshold of Canadian content" (98 per cent). "Made in Canada" claims are subject to a 51 per cent threshold of Canadian content "but should be accompanied by a qualifying statement indicating that the product contains imported content."

When a brand is based in Canada or owned/designed by Canadians, that doesn't automatically mean it's made in Canada. Shoppers still choose to support a Canadian-owned or founded business, but its manufacturing may occur overseas. That said, buying from online and brick-and-mortar Canadian retailers can help support Canadian workers, too. Roots, for example, is no longer completely Canadian-owned, but its leather goods are still hand-crafted in Toronto, Ont.

Trump's tariffs are here. Here's how to shop Canadian during a trade war (Getty).
Trump's tariffs are here. Here's how to shop Canadian during a trade war (Getty).

Canada's retaliatory tariffs on American goods are far-reaching. They target everything from U.S.-produced dairy and grains to cosmetics and tires. For the official list of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs, click here. In summary, they include:

  • Consumable items: including poultry, fruits and vegetables, grain products, coffee and tea, alcohol, most cooking oil products, spices, pasta and more

  • Personal care products: including cosmetics and body care, paper towels and napkins, shampoos, toothpaste, deodorant, soaps and other toiletries

  • Building materials and home products: including commercial and household appliances, vacuums, building materials and bathroom accessories

  • Consumer goods and clothing: including textile products like bedding and carpets, clothing, shoes and accessories

If you're looking to shop local Canadian products, here is a list of Canadian beauty, fashion, home and personal care brands to support — and their American alternatives that may become more expensive in the following weeks.

If you see a Canadian flag 🇨🇦 next to the brand, that means it is both Canadian-owned and manufactured in Canada.

🇨🇦 Canadian cleaning brands

🇺🇸 American cleaning brands

Procter & Gamble (P&G) brands, including Tide, Mr. Clean, Swiffer and Dawn. The Clorox Company brands, including Clorox Bleach, Pine-Sol, Liquid-Plumr and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Reckitt Benckiser brands, including Lysol, Dettol, Finish and Woolite. Church & Dwight Co. brands, including Arm & Hammer and OxiClean. SC Johnson brands, including Windex, Glade, Pledge and Scrubbing Bubbles.

🇨🇦 Canadian personal care brands

🇨🇦 Canadian beauty and makeup brands

🇨🇦 Canadian home brands

🇨🇦 Canadian fashion brands

Let us know what you think by emailing us, commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Latest Stories