Patriotism in Canada on the Rise as Flag Sales Are Up
Canadian flag sales are at all-time highs as the increased political tensions between the US and Canada continue to propel demand. Flag manufacturers, particularly Flags Unlimited, have witnessed an exponential surge in demand as Canadians exhibit patriotism amidst the recent trade wars and diplomatic crises.
Flags Unlimited, Canada's biggest flag producer, based in Barrie, Ontario, has seen its sales double over the past six weeks compared to the same period last year. Traditionally, winter is a slow season for flag sales, but not this year. Co-owner Matt Skipp attributes this unexpected boost to an outpouring of Canadian nationalism in reaction to strained relations with the U.S.
"This recent hostility, or negotiation, or Trump-speak has completely lit a fire under flag sales," Skipp told Fortune. "The more Trump talks, the more flags we sell."
How Political Tensions Are Driving Sales
The increase in Canadian flag sales follows a string of political events that have raised tensions between the two nations:
- Trade Disputes: At the beginning of February 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico on national security grounds. However, after coming under criticism from Canadian leaders and businesspersons, the tariffs were delayed by 30 days pending further talks.
- Retaliatory Measures: Trudeau retaliated by proposing countermeasures in the shape of tariffs on American imports such as orange juice, steel, and household goods.
- Statehood Remarks: Trump then proceeded to ignite more tensions by saying that Canada has to be the U.S.'s "51st state," justifying the U.S. is losing $200 billion annually in trade deficits with its neighbor.
These trends have produced an atmosphere of defiance among Canadians, yielding more symbolic expressions of national identity, including buying more flags.
A Booming Business for Flag Makers
Flags Unlimited typically retails 500,000 Canadian flags annually, but with the recent surge, Skipp is estimating sales to increase by 30% to 50% this year. Not just for individuals—many businesses, organizations, and even government agencies are also purchasing flags in bulk.
Other Canadian flag retailers, such as The Flag Shop and Ultimate Flags Canada, have also witnessed similar increases in demand.
We hadn't had this level of flag sales since Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017,"* said Susan Braverman, president of The Flag Shop.
Why Flag Sales Matter
Other than reflecting national pride, more flag sales are an indication of Canada's strength in unity against political pressure. As tensions rise, Canadians are rallying behind the flag as a symbol of strength and sovereignty.
"When our backs are against the wall, we will always stand with Canada and choose Canada,"
Trudeau tweeted on X (formerly Twitter).
As negotiations around trade and diplomacy go on, only time can tell what form Canada-U.S. relations take. But rest assured—one thing is sure: Canada's patriotism remains unshaken.