Trump amps up trade war with Canada by targeting Bombardier
BNN Bloomberg
U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to impose steep tariffs on Canadian-made aircraft, escalating a dispute over aviation certification that he claims has unfairly blocked U.S. jet sales in Canada.
Trump made the threat in a social media post Thursday, accusing Canada of “wrongfully” refusing to certify several models of U.S.-made Gulfstream jets and calling the process a barrier to U.S. aircraft sales north of the border.
Trump said his administration would respond by decertifying Canadian-made aircraft in the U.S., including jets produced by Bombardier, unless Canada moves to approve the Gulfstream models.
He also warned that if the issue is not “immediately corrected,” the U.S. will impose a 50 per cent tariff on any aircraft sold from Canada into the U.S. market, a move that could have major implications for the aerospace sector on both sides of the border.
Bombardier released a statement late Thursday night, acknowledging that they’ve seen Trump’s post and are in contact with the federal government.
“Our aircraft, facilities and technicians are fully certified to FAA standards and renowned around the world,” the company said, mentioning that they are investing in expanding their U.S. operations.
