U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a threat to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft and stated his intention to “decertify” those planes, specifically mentioning a range of jets produced by Bombardier, an aerospace company.
Using his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump justified his decision by accusing Canada of obstructing the certification process for jets manufactured by the U.S.-based Gulfstream company. He claimed that due to Canada’s refusal to certify Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 Jets, he would decertify all Bombardier Global Express planes and other Canadian-made aircraft until Gulfstream is fully certified.
The exact implications of “decertifying” the planes remain unclear, but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), overseen by a Trump appointee, is responsible for aircraft certification in the U.S.
According to a report by Bloomberg News, over half of Bombardier’s global fleet of 5,200 aircraft operate in the U.S., with the majority of the company’s sales coming from the U.S. rather than Canada.
In response to Trump’s statements, Bombardier has stated that it is in communication with the Canadian government regarding the matter. The company emphasized that its aircraft, facilities, and technicians meet FAA standards and are highly regarded worldwide. They expressed hope for a swift resolution to prevent disruptions to air travel and passengers.
Trump’s targeting of Bombardier is not new, as during his first term, he imposed a nearly 300% tariff on Bombardier’s C Series, which was later acquired by Airbus and rebranded as the A220. If Trump proceeds with his threats, other companies with manufacturing plants in Canada, such as De Havilland Canada and Airbus, could also face potential tariffs.
The tensions between Canada and the U.S. have escalated since Trump’s re-election, with the president previously mocking Canada and imposing tariffs on Canadian goods. Recent events, including Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum, have further strained relations between the two countries.
Amidst these developments, Trump has made strong statements towards Carney, including threats of tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada engages in trade with China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advised Carney against confrontations with the U.S. president, emphasizing the importance of considering the welfare of the Canadian people.
Gulfstream President Mark Burns highlighted how trade tensions with China have impacted opportunities in the aviation market, expressing hope for a resolution to facilitate future business growth.