FARE Researchers Awarded SSHRC Insight Development Grant to Study Effects of Geopolitical Tensions on Cross-Border Shopping

The Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) at the University of Guelph is pleased to congratulate Dr. Wenjie Zhan and Dr. Kwaku Afesorgbor on receiving an SSHRC Insight Development Grant for their project, “Geopolitical Tension and Cross-Border Shopping: Evidence from Mobile Phone Data.” This prestigious award highlights the excellence and impact of their research and reflects FARE’s strong commitment to advancing innovative, policy-relevant scholarship.

The two-year project will examine how Canada-U.S. geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts that emerged in early 2025 have influenced Canadians’ cross-border travel and shopping behaviour. Using high-frequency mobile phone foot-traffic data and rigorous empirical methods, the study will assess how heightened political tensions affect consumer decisions and the economic well-being of retailers and communities near the Canada-U.S. border.

By providing new evidence on the effects of geopolitical conflicts on consumer behaviour and local economies, the research will help inform policies aimed at supporting Canadian border communities, improving consumer access to affordable goods, and strengthening resilience to future economic shocks. The project will also provide valuable research training opportunities for graduate students while further enhancing FARE’s reputation for research excellence and real-world impact.