Boycott USA! Europe Turns Against American-Made Products

Tesla electric cars, coca-cola, colgate toothpaste, Heinz ketchup, and California wine—once global bestsellers of American-made products—are now facing a boycott in multiple European countries.

Olsen, an electrician and carpenter with dual Danish and American citizenship, expressed frustration over Trump's policies, stating that Danish Vikings are deeply angry.  At 66 years old, he claims he's never seen Danes so upset. Olsen vows never to buy American-made California beer again and is even considering replacing his $10,000 DeWalt electric tools made in the US, despite the high cost.

Hansen, a retired Danish police officer, is now thoroughly checking product labels in supermarkets to avoid buying anything made in the US. He believes this is the only way to protest Trump.  He even bought Iranian dates instead of American-made Coca-Cola, as he perceives the threat from the US as greater than from Iran.

Denmark at the Forefront of Anti-Trump Sentiment

Denmark may be Europe's frontline in opposing Trump.  Trump's prior claim to seize Greenland, a Danish territory, sparked strong backlash among the Danish people.  The anger has only grown, fueled by Trump's tariff threats and his ally Elon Musk's interventions in European politics.

Ask Aime: How does Trump's policies affect Danish consumers' boycott of American products?

Hansen believes Trump is a bully who uses threats to achieve his goals, and he is determined to oppose this behavior.

The Boycott Spreads to Canada and Europe

After Trump's tariff threats, the search volume for "Boycott USA" surged on Google, with key regions including Denmark, Canada, and France.  Facebook groups advocating for a boycott of American goods also sprouted, where people passionately discuss how to avoid American products and find alternatives.

Some European businesses are also avoiding American products.  

Romain Roy, a French entrepreneur, used to buy a new batch of tesla cars every year for his solar panel company.  However, he canceled this practice. He describes America as an isolationist country and would rather spend an additional 150,000 euros on European cars than order a Tesla.  He emphasizes that individuals, society, and countries must respond to America's actions.

Denmark's largest supermarket chain, Salling Group, launched a star-shaped label this month to mark European-made products in their stores.  CEO Anders Hagh stated that this is not a boycott but a response to consumer demand to avoid American-made goods.

The Impact of These Actions

These actions may not yet have a significant impact on American exports or trade policy.  Olof Johansson Stenman, an economics professor at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, warns that these sentiments could provoke US consumers, potentially turning into mutual attacks.