Nearly three-quarters of Canadians say they would avoid buying American alcohol even if those products returned to store shelves [1].
This shift in consumer sentiment suggests a potential long-term economic impact on U.S. beverage exporters who rely on the Canadian market. The results indicate a level of consumer resistance that could persist regardless of product availability.
According to a poll released on Aug. 5, 2026, by Nanos, 74% of survey respondents said they would avoid American alcohol [1, 2]. The data reflects a broad trend across the country regarding the consumption of imports from the U.S. [2].
The findings come at a time when consumer preferences in Canada are shifting toward different options. While the poll identifies the percentage of people who would avoid these products, it does not specify the primary drivers behind the decision, such as political tension, pricing, or a preference for local brands [1].
Retailers and distributors may face challenges if they attempt to restock U.S. alcohol brands given this level of public opposition [2]. The survey highlights a significant gap between product availability and actual consumer demand [1].
Industry analysts often monitor these trends to determine if a boycott is temporary or a permanent change in habit. With 74% of the population expressing avoidance, the scale of the sentiment is substantial [1, 2].
“74% of Canadians say they would avoid buying American alcohol”
This data suggests a significant deterioration in the brand loyalty of U.S. alcohol products within Canada. If the majority of the population is unwilling to purchase these goods even when available, U.S. producers may face a permanent loss of market share to domestic Canadian competitors or other international imports.
