Former U. S. President Donald Trump is once again raising trade tensions with Canada, this time threatening to impose a 50% tariff on all aircraft manufactured in Canada. The threat, made via a social media post, specifically targets Bombardier and its Global Express business jets, as well as other Canadian-made aircraft. Trump claims Canada has been slow to certify U. S.-made Gulfstream jets, creating a barrier to American sales.
The move has sparked concern within the Canadian aerospace industry, a sector that includes the production of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and other components. Bombardier, a major Canadian aerospace manufacturer with a significant presence in the U. S., acknowledged Trump's post and stated they are in contact with the Canadian government. The company emphasized that its aircraft and facilities are fully certified to FAA standards and warned of a "significant impact to air traffic and the flying public" if the situation is not resolved.
Industry experts are questioning Trump's authority to "decertify" aircraft already in service, noting that such power resides with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The IAM, a union representing many aerospace workers, said Trump's threats "would cause serious disruption to the North American aerospace industry and put thousands of jobs at risk on both sides of the border". The potential tariffs and decertification could affect major U. S. carriers that utilize Bombardier planes.
This isn't the first time Trump has targeted Bombardier with trade actions. In 2017, the U. S. Commerce Department imposed duties on Bombardier's CSeries commercial passenger jet, alleging the company was selling planes below cost due to unfair government subsidies. While the aerospace industry navigates climate risk and supply-chain issues, Trump's threat adds another layer of uncertainty for Canadian aviation.
