President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier on Monday, threatening to prohibit the company from selling its aircraft in the United States unless it shifts production to American soil. The statement significantly escalates the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Ottawa, coinciding with the implementation of new Canadian tariffs on billions of dollars worth of US imports.
Speaking via his social media platform, Truth Social, the president took aim at the Canadian firm, stating, “NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! Their products aren’t good enough!” He further asserted that if the manufacturer wishes to retain access to the American market, it must cease treating the US as a “piggybank” and begin manufacturing domestically. Trump did not elaborate on the specific mechanisms by which such a ban would be enforced.
In response to the allegations, Bombardier emphasized its substantial economic footprint within the United States. The company noted that its operations and a supply chain comprising approximately 2,800 American businesses across 47 states support tens of thousands of US jobs. Additionally, Bombardier highlighted that it spends over $2.5 billion (€2.15 billion) annually with US suppliers and incorporates American-made engines, avionics, and other components into its aircraft.
The confrontation arrives as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs officially take effect on Tuesday. These measures impose duties of up to 50% on $20 billion worth of American goods, targeting sectors including steel, aluminum, and dairy products such as cheese.
This trade escalation follows weeks of tension after President Trump imposed reciprocal 50% tariffs on a similar value of Canadian products. The initial spike in hostilities occurred after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declined to align Canada’s tariffs with those levied by the United States on Chinese goods. The current threat against Bombardier marks a broadening of the economic conflict, extending from general commodities to the specialized aviation industry.
The tariff war just got real. Hitting aviation is a huge escalation from steel and cheese. Hope Canada backs down.
Does he actually know Bombardier has massive US supply chains? This feels like bluster, not policy.