COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The recent diplomatic tensions surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland have sparked a notable rise in the popularity of mobile applications aimed at helping consumers boycott American-made products. These apps have found a receptive audience in Denmark and beyond, igniting discussions about consumer choices and nationalism.

Ian Rosenfeldt, the developer behind the “Made O’Meter” app, reported a remarkable influx of users, with approximately 30,000 downloads in just three days during the January crisis. Since its launch in March, the app has amassed over 100,000 downloads. Created in response to frustrations expressed by a Facebook group dedicated to consumer boycotts, Rosenfeldt sought to provide a practical tool for those looking to make informed choices.

“Many people were searching for tangible ways to participate,” the 53-year-old digital marketer explained. Using a barcode scanner alone can obscure whether a product is American or locally produced. The latest iteration of “Made O’Meter” leverages artificial intelligence to identify multiple products simultaneously and suggest European alternatives, boasting an accuracy rate of over 95%. This innovation allows users to make conscious decisions based on their preferences, such as opting for brands not owned by U.S. companies.

Following an initial spike in downloads, app usage dwindled until Trump’s renewed focus on acquiring Greenland reignited interest. On January 23, usage peaked with nearly 40,000 scans in a single day, a stark contrast to the roughly 500 daily scans recorded during the previous summer. Currently, the app continues to engage around 20,000 users in Denmark, with additional users from countries like Germany, Spain, and Venezuela.

Expressing his dismay over what he perceives as “losing an ally and a friend,” Rosenfeldt highlighted the intimate connection many feel to the political discourse. In January, Trump threatened tariffs on Denmark and other European nations that opposed his Greenland ambitions, only to subsequently retract those threats following discussions with NATO officials. The U.S. is currently negotiating security agreements with both Denmark and Greenland, although sovereignty issues remain contentious.

Although the boycotts are unlikely to substantially impact the U.S. economy, Rosenfeldt hopes they will inspire supermarkets to support European producers. “Perhaps we can send a signal that resonates with consumers and leads to a shift,” he remarked.

Another app, “NonUSA,” has similarly gained traction, surpassing 100,000 downloads. Created by 21-year-old Jonas Pipper, it recorded over 25,000 downloads on January 21 alone, corresponding to heightened tensions. Some users have expressed relief and a sense of empowerment through their participation, suggesting that such applications serve an emotional purpose as well as a practical one.

However, experts caution that the efficacy of these boycott apps may be limited. Christina Gravert, an associate professor of economics at the University of Copenhagen, noted that American products represent a small fraction—approximately one to three percent—of grocery store inventories in Denmark. Therefore, a broader strategy that targets meaningful U.S. technologies could yield more impactful results.

Gravert emphasized that successful consumer movements often require a coordinated and organized effort rather than individual actions. While apps like “Made O’Meter” and “NonUSA” are convenient, their impacts may ultimately be symbolic. Conversations among shoppers at a Copenhagen grocery store reflected this nuanced perspective. Some expressed commitment to boycotting American goods, while others felt the effort was limited by their knowledge of which products are truly American.

Ultimately, the rise of these boycott apps illustrates an evolving landscape of consumer activism and sentiment in Denmark. As tensions continue to shape international relations, the dialogue around consumer responsibility and identity remains more relevant than ever.