Trade War

[sensualsixty]

Considering what is happening in trade relations with the U.S.A., should we as individuals start to make our own efforts to avoid made in U.S. products?

Are you using Heinz products - now all made in the U.S.? French may be a U.S. company, but at least its products are made in Canada. Kellog's closed its Canadian operations a couple of years ago. The are companies producing many similar cereals in Canada. Quaker (part of the Pepsi conglomerate) at least still produces products in Peterborough, Ontario. Maybe we should quit shopping at Walmart.

Admittedly, it would be very difficult to avoid U.S. products, but maybe we should give it some thought, at least to the extent that it is practical/possible. Oranges are gown in other countries besides the U.S.A.

 

[bobjob]

Considering what is happening in trade relations with the U.S.A., should we as individuals start to make our own efforts to avoid made in U.S. products?

Are you using Heinz products - now all made in the U.S.? French may be a U.S. company, but at least its products are made in Canada. Kellog's closed its Canadian operations a couple of years ago. The are companies producing many similar cereals in Canada. Quaker (part of the Pepsi conglomerate) at least still produces products in Peterborough, Ontario. Maybe we should quit shopping at Walmart.

Admittedly, it would be very difficult to avoid U.S. products, but maybe we should give it some thought, at least to the extent that it is practical/possible. Oranges are gown in other countries besides the U.S.A.

Everyone should quit shopping at Walmart! We don't shop there at all and try to convince our son not to also...just such a shitty company all around.

 

[Noobbc]

Everyone should quit shopping at Walmart! We don't shop there at all and try to convince our son not to also...just such a shitty company all around.

I for one would be boycotting US products, but I don't think it would be feasible for regular joes. Maybe it's just me, I assume people in this community are kind of more financially privileged than average people. But not going to Walmart would be not possible for others.

 

[Abbott_]

_______________Cut out that Amazon crap too !

 

[johnsmit]

If you think about it there is no such thing as American companies or Canadian companies, when they are owned by share holders, they are international. When then make some of there produces in Canadian factories from Canada in materials that's great... But where ekse don't get have factories and what do they pay there and how do they treat people and the environment. If you want to boycott companies there are a hundred and one reasons.
To do it.
START WITH Tim Horton. Owned by Burger King,who is owned by who.? And there head office is in South America

Pick any retailer, wood store,online service you use and it may say USA,or Canada it means very little . Unless it some small business and then your limited by there ability to serve you and there cost effective operation.
Can't get the best price unless it big.

Yah a trade war will hurt the consumer but how long will the big companies let it go on when it hurts their survival let alone profits.

 

[FreeG]

That’s the key: once the bigger companies start losing money and start advertising (or sponsoring ads) against tariffs, it’ll disappear. Trump will declare “Victory” and status quo will return.

Unfortunately, between now and then, there’s just a whole lot of churn and stress that good people have to go through.

 

[ddcanz]

I'm not going to let the so-called trade wars affect my lifestyle.
We regularly shop across the line for numerous grocery type products- especially at Trader Joes.
And the selection at other stores like Safeway and Haggens- not to mention specialty shops- puts local stores to shame.
Side note- we also bring back certain volumes of US wines- beyond the allowable. Again, the selection is far superior and the cost for many (incl. WA state tax and exchange) is not out of line. Just takes some balls!
We enjoy spending leisure time in the US and unless it becomes completely cost prohibitive that won't likely change. Wouldn't necessarily want to live there, but have no problem visiting.

 

[carvesg]

Funny that Trump is using the dairy industry as leverage to get concessions from Canada when the farmers from Wisconsin are the ones bond to benefit the most out the deal if we give up . I know it is for his base but they mostly employ illegal immigrants in Wisconsin to run their farms which is a known fact and quite ironic when you think about his stand about illegals .

Surprisingly the Canadian media networks and Americans are silent about it .

It is no Wonder they have cheap milk and dairy across the border . They also over produce when you think that Wisconsin alone produces more than the entire Canadian dairy industry .

If recall Sybian had hinted about it as well in another thread not that long ago and something that the Huffington Post had worked on last year

 

[Abbott_]

Cheese_Heads

Funny that Trump is using the dairy industry as leverage to get concessions from Canada ...

Revenge of The Cheese_Heads :

" President Trump’s weekend rant against Canada’s dairy policies has deep roots in electoral politics — namely, those of Wisconsin,
a state that responded to Trump’s “America First” trade rhetoric and helped him win the White House."


http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-dairy-canada-20180612-story.html
​

 

[Big_Guy_Rye]

It's hard to say "don't buy American" (as a Canadian in Canada) because our economy is so closely tied to one another. As well, some people's financial means aren't a lofty to allow themselves to pick and choose what to buy.

It's easy to say don't shop at Wal-Mart (as you shouldn't anyways), but their low prices are too good to ignore. Why spend $5 on a box of granola bars at a mom n' pop shop, when you can buy it for $2 at Wal-Mart? But if you can live on such prinicples and spend the extra money, I'd recommend you should support those smaller shopping venues.

Same thing with picking brands. As mentioned above, choosing French's over Heinz, personally I find both brands 'played out' and bad as junk food. I go for the seed mustard like Maille or Grey Poupon. Made in France and UK respectively; and healthier. Yes, expensive, but at least you're supporting trade with other countries (that also think Trump's trade war is ridiculous).

Kellogg cereal, General Foods?.....I wouldn't touch that stuff at all. American made cereal has horrible amount of preservatives and chemicals like TSP in it which is the same thing you use to wash drywalling before painting them.

That all said....

.....if you're really hyper-sensitive about his trade war, then just research the products you buy and make you're decisions based on principle, or not. But really, outside of Trump's administration, there is no one else that supports these tariffs, so it really shouldn't be a 'sin' to buy American if you really need to. Just wait 2 more years and the this problem will fix itself.

 

[MissingOne]

... Just wait 2 more years and the this problem will fix itself.

That's the optimistic view. The pessimistic view would have him in office for another six years. I'm noticing that even some of my better-educated, more open-minded American friends are grudgingly sympathetic to what Trump is doing. They don't like the man, but they like what he does. I fear that he could get more votes in 2020 than he did in 2016.

 

[westwoody]

He has a rock solid base of supporters, who will definitely support him next election. Like Harper's unite the right project, Trump has united a wide range of seemingly incompatible groups.
By contrast the Dems are in disarray and going nowhere. If the Dems don't get their act together fast they will be crushed.

 

[badbadboy]

People could start by supporting BC and Canadian companies.

Electronics - London Drugs owned and operated in BC. May not be bottom dollar but they match any competitors price.

Cleaning and Household products - LD has good prices on cleaning products when on sale plus all paper goods are also a good deal there too. No need to go to Walmart when their stuff is on sale.

Groceries - Save On, owned by Jimmy Pattison. Thrifty Foods and Stong's are also very good places to shop with Canadian ownership. If you shop at Whole Foods you are only supporting Amazon. Safeway is owned by a California Corp.

Beer, wine and spirits. I've been a fan of BC microbrew and Okanagan wines for quite a few years. Sure California, Oregon and Washington state have some kick ass products but being mindful when you pay for something made in BC; you are helping BC Companies and their employees. I've never been a Rye drinker so I'll continue supporting Scotland and Ireland on the Whisky and Whiskey front.

 

[sensualsixty]

Thrifty's is owned by Empire, which also owns Sobey's, Thrifty's and Saveway (IN Canada).

 

[Sexy Lina Melone]

I prefer the idea of weaning off the consumerism bandwagon and getting more into buying good used items, only when really needed. Spend your money on great experiences! Live life because you can’t take all that beautiful material crap with you- if it gives you joy, fine. I love art and own a few nice pieces I really love. But what I love more are my travel and adventure memories. I recently did a tandem paragliding flight!! It was amazing!!

Stop feeding big business if you can- the more they profit, the more power they have to hurt you.

 

[ddcanz]

…. Spend your money on great experiences! Live life because you can’t take all that beautiful material crap with you- if it gives you joy, fine..... But what I love more are my travel and adventure memories....

Couldn't agree with you more!
Our passion is travel and cuisine- seems it's always linked to foodie experiences and great wines wherever we go. Unfortunately, like travelling business class, once you get hooked it's tough to go back to basics.
Hence our inclination to search for the best selection of products- usually across the line.

 

[ddcanz]

Beer, wine and spirits. I've been a fan of.... Okanagan wines for quite a few years. Sure California, Oregon and Washington state have some kick ass products but being mindful when you pay for something made in BC; you are helping BC Companies and their employees....

We've had dialogue on this in the past and I agree.
I buy a lot of South Okanagan wines- Naramata, OK Falls, Oliver, Golden Mile, Osoyoos etc. There are a lot of really top quality and superior reds and certain Chards being produced.
But I still love Washington and California!
It's so damn difficult being a wino....what's a boy to do?

 

[80watts]

BBB "People could start by supporting BC and Canadian companies.

Electronics - London Drugs owned and operated in BC. May not be bottom dollar but they match any competitors price.

Cleaning and Household products - LD has good prices on cleaning products when on sale plus all paper goods are also a good deal there too. No need to go to Walmart when their stuff is on sale.

Groceries - Save On, owned by Jimmy Pattison. Thrifty Foods and Stong's are also very good places to shop with Canadian ownership. If you shop at Whole Foods you are only supporting Amazon. Safeway is owned by a California Corp.

Beer, wine and spirits. I've been a fan of BC microbrew and Okanagan wines for quite a few years. Sure California, Oregon and Washington state have some kick ass products but being mindful when you pay for something made in BC; you are helping BC Companies and their employees. I've never been a Rye drinker so I'll continue supporting Scotland and Ireland on the Whisky and Whiskey front."


You need shelter, food. Anything else is a bonus. Make the stuff yourself.

Fresh groceries usually come from California in winter. Hot house from lower mainland (find that expensive) and then there is "buy within 100 miles for food".

Only cleaning item you need is Isopropanol alcolhol (it disinfects and cleans). Check web sites for natural cleaning or alternate cleaning materials.

Last year I was looking for acrylic and or polycarbonate clear plastic for my router. there were only 2 factories in the world, one burnt down.. go fiqure....(oh it was the one in the US), the one over in Asia

 

[felixthecat]

Considering what is happening in trade relations with the U.S.A., should we as individuals start to make our own efforts to avoid made in U.S. products?

I wouldn't. Trade wars are bad. The Canadian government already went for adequate retaliatory measures. I support the tough position, but no need to escalate further. The only possible win in a trade war is if all tariffs get removed.

I'd say do what is best for you individually. Save money if you can by buying abroad rather than throwing it at more expensive Canadian equivalents, it won't help the country long-term if we overspend on inefficient businesses. Then use the saved money to buy local, eh, services

 

[Abbott_]

GreenBay, next NHL team

We got-cha cheese right here .