Canada's Odd Burger pauses US expansion plans amid tariff concerns

March 24 (Reuters) - Odd Burger ODD.V is suspending its U.S. expansion plans due to tariffs worsening trade relations between the United States and Canada, the vegan fast-food restaurant chain owner said on Monday.

The Canadian company, which had said earlier this month that it will invest $2 million in the U.S., now plans to use the capital to bolster its Canadian manufacturing and franchise operations.

Odd Burger said it aims to help Canadian businesses transition to locally made plant-based products, and sees significant growth opportunity in supporting the Canadian market. The company makes plant-based protein products and dairy alternatives and also distributes them to grocery retailers in Canada.

Consumers from a number of Canadian provinces have been canceling trips and moving away from U.S. goods and sporting events to support local businesses amid rising concerns of a trade war.

Several Canadian businesses, including alcohol makers such as Brown-Forman BFb.N, have been hit hard by President Donald Trump's import tariffs as well as retaliatory tariffs.