Mar 26, 2025
Several groups in Sweden have called for a boycott of goods from the U.S. in response to policy changes coming from the country.
Facebook groups Bojkotta varor från USA and Boykot varer fra USA, which have more than 170,000 members combined, are calling for a boycott of American products. Some of the brands these groups suggest Swedes stop buying or using include Amazon, Kellogg’s, LinkedIn, Netflix and Uber.
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The creator of the Bojkotta varor från USA group, Jannike Kohinoor, says that she felt compelled to act.
“When I can't vote in the U.S. elections or demonstrate on the streets in the United States, I feel that I have to do something,” she told Euronews
What is the exact reason these groups, and others in the country, are calling for boycotts of U.S. goods and services?
Why the Swedes are boycotting U.S. goods
Euronews reports that such boycott movements started as a response to several U.S. policy changes. These include tariffs imposed on Europe and the U.S. government’s decision to stop supporting Ukraine. The hope is that the boycotts will put pressure on the current U.S. administration.
The European Union (EU), in response to the tariffs, says it will, in mid-April, introduce a “series of countermeasures," including a proposed 50% tariff on U.S. bourbon.
The U.S. and EU tariffs will target billions of dollars worth of goods, and could increase tensions between these regions.
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While the boycott in Sweden could have some effect, it’s hard to tell how much, and whether it will pressure the U.S. to change its policies.
What’s more, it’s unclear exactly what types of products will be affected by countermeasures. The EU says it’s currently working to “ensure that the right products are chosen” for its response to be effective while also keeping disruption to businesses and consumers “to a minimum.”
Some members of the Facebook groups were unsure about whether they could even avoid U.S. products.
One Swedish shopper said she didn't't know if she'd be able to steer clear of U.S. goods because “you go and do your usual shopping and you may not always think about where it comes from.”
Another said that “everything has an American influence,” so it could be that “you should almost boycott everything.”
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Aside from not knowing what to boycott, the uncertainty about what could happen to the price of goods and services is real, even if you’re not Swedish.
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How to budget during uncertain times
In times of uncertainty, there are several best practices you can implement to help protect your finances.
First, get clear about your take-home income versus what you spend each month. Look through your credit card and bank statements to help track your spending. Create a bare-bones budget in case you need to cut back on discretionary expenses to account for, say, higher grocery prices. Make a list of what you’re willing to cut back on temporarily, if you need to.
Planning for emergencies is also crucial. Set aside funds in a separate savings account in case of unforeseen expenses, like medical bills or a car repair, or for basic expenses should you lose your job.
The rule of thumb is to save at least three months’ worth of expenses. That amount could feel daunting, but you can start small — even $25 a week is better than nothing.
Aside from savings, see whether it’s possible to work towards increasing your income. It could be the perfect opportunity to look for a new job or see if there are opportunities to move up in your current company. Even if it’s for a short while, taking on some gig work or starting a side hustle could also offer some reprieve from climbing prices.
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Sarah Li-Cain, AFC is a finance and small business writer with over a decade of experience.
