Trump threatens to ban US sales of Canadian plane maker Bombardier amid escalating trade war

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to block American sales of Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Inc. on Monday unless the Montreal-based company moves manufacturing operations into the United States.

The ultimatum came on the eve of Canada enacting retaliatory tariffs against a broad array of American products following the collapse of bilateral trade negotiations.

What demands did President Trump make regarding Bombardier?

In a series of social media posts, President Trump declared "NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES!", asserting that the company generates more than half of its revenue from American buyers. Trump accused Canadian authorities of protectionism, alleging that Ottawa restricts American financial institutions and prevents U.S.-based jet manufacturers such as Gulfstream Aerospace from competing fairly in Canadian markets. "If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a 'piggybank,'" Trump wrote.

In response, Bombardier issued a statement emphasizing its significant economic contribution within the United States, pointing out that it supports tens of thousands of jobs through multiple U.S. facilities and maintains a supply chain involving approximately 2,800 American suppliers across 47 states. The company noted that its aircraft rely heavily on American-made engines, avionics, and structural components, adding that it remains on track to open a new assembly facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, later this year.

How does the threat relate to the broader US-Canada tariff dispute?

The president's comments coincide with the deadline for Canada to implement retaliatory tariffs ranging from 15 percent to 50 percent on approximately $20 billion worth of U.S. imports, including steel, aluminum, dairy, cosmetics, and agricultural equipment. Ottawa's countermeasures were announced after the Trump administration imposed 50 percent tariffs on Canadian imports in late August following the breakdown of trade negotiations.

According to the Financial Times and CBC News, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended formal trade negotiations after U.S. negotiators introduced last-minute demands restricting Canada's independent trade agreements with third nations alongside terms affecting Quebec cultural policies.

While legal experts note that aircraft decertification falls under the regulatory authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rather than direct executive decree, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer signaled that Washington is preparing additional retaliatory options if Canadian counter-tariffs proceed.