A growing movement among Swedish citizens expresses discontent with U.S. policies through boycotts of American goods.
Recent research indicates that a significant portion of the Swedish population is reconsidering their purchasing decisions regarding American products in response to United States foreign policy.
A study conducted by Verian revealed that three out of ten Swedes have chosen not to buy American goods in the past month, motivated by political protests against U.S. actions on issues including Ukraine, European security, and tariffs.
Specifically, 29% of respondents reported abstaining from American products, with 10% completely refraining and 19% selectively boycotting certain items.
Furthermore, nearly 40% of participants expressed thoughts of potentially boycotting American products in the future, suggesting a notable shift in perceptions of the U.S. among a substantial majority of Swedes.
In parallel, social media platforms have witnessed a rise in groups advocating for the boycott of American goods.
Two prominent
Facebook groups, "Boykot varer fra USA," with approximately 67,000 members, and "Bojkotta varor från USA," boasting over 70,000 members, have garnered considerable followings.
These groups encourage members to stop purchasing familiar American products, reflecting an escalating sentiment against U.S. policies.
Janike Kohinor, the founder of the "Bojkotta varor från USA" group, expressed her motivation to act, stating that, as a Swedish citizen unable to vote in U.S. elections or demonstrate in the U.S., she felt compelled to initiate a movement.
The groups provide recommendations for alternatives to American products and services; however, finding suitable replacements has proven challenging for many members.
Despite receiving criticism for using
Facebook, a platform owned by the American company Meta, Kohinor emphasized the necessity of uniting people and fostering a movement, indicating that the situation may evolve as better alternatives become available.