Canadian flag sales surge after Trump threats

(CLO) Flag sales by flag manufacturer Flags Unlimited have doubled compared to a year ago, as tensions with neighboring the United States fuel a wave of patriotism in Canada.

The sales surge comes on the occasion of Canadian Flag Day on February 15, which marks the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the red and white maple leaf flag in Ottawa.

Canadian flag. Photo: Muhammad Ali

Matt Skipp, co-owner of Flags Unlimited in Barrie, north of Toronto, attributed the surge in demand to threats from US President Donald Trump to Canadian sovereignty .

“This is a direct response to the political context, as Canadians rally behind the flag as a symbol of unity,” Skipp said.

Canadian politicians have called on citizens to fly the national flag this weekend in a show of unity and national pride.

Canadians canceled trips to the United States, boycotted wine and other American products, and even booed at sporting events after Mr. Trump announced a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods on Feb. 3. However, he delayed imposing the tariffs.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a group of business leaders last week that he believes Trump's claim to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state "is a real thing" and has to do with Canada's rich natural resources, according to a government source.

Flags Unlimited, which produces more than 500,000 flags a year, is considering adding shifts and sourcing additional materials to meet the surge in demand. The company manufactures and assembles its flags in Ontario, though it still imports some materials from overseas.

Mike Allen, an auto parts worker, stopped by the store to buy a flag on Wednesday. Allen said he opposes U.S. tariffs because he fears they will directly impact his job.

The North American auto industry is tightly integrated, and companies warn that tariffs would also increase costs for Americans. “We are not the enemy. It’s hard to understand why we’re being attacked,” Allen said.

Cao Phong (according to CNN, BBC, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/doanh-so-ban-co-canada-tang-manh-sau-cac-de-doa-tu-ong-trump-post334723.html