March 24 (Reuters) -

Odd Burger ( ODDAF ) 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 ( ODDAF ) 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 ( BF/A ), have been hit hard by President Donald

Trump's import tariffs as well as retaliatory tariffs.