President Donald Trump has threatened to block Bombardier aircraft sales in the United States. The move adds fresh pressure to the growing trade dispute between Washington and Ottawa.
Trump made the threat Monday on his Truth Social platform. He accused Canada of unfair trade practices and demanded that Bombardier build its aircraft in the United States.
“No more selling Bombardier in the United States!” Trump wrote.
He also argued that Canada wants access to the American market while restricting U.S. companies.
“If they want our Market, they must build here,” Trump wrote. He also accused Canada of treating the United States like a “piggybank.”
However, Trump did not explain how his administration would stop Bombardier from selling its aircraft in America.
Trump targets Bombardier again
Monday’s threat marks another clash between Trump and the Canadian aircraft maker.
Earlier this year, Trump also threatened action against Bombardier.
In January, he warned that the United States could revoke certification for Bombardier aircraft. He also threatened a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft.
Trump made those threats after criticizing Canada over certification for new U.S.-made Gulfstream jets.
However, his administration did not carry out those measures.
This time, the threat comes as the United States and Canada face a wider trade confrontation.
Canada and US trade war escalates
The Bombardier dispute comes as both countries increase tariffs on each other’s goods.
Last month, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian products. The affected goods include products ranging from hockey sticks to cement.
Canada then prepared retaliatory measures.
Those Canadian tariffs took effect Tuesday. The duties target about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods.
The rates range from 15% to 50%. They cover products such as steel, aluminum and dairy goods.
As a result, the Bombardier threat has become part of a much larger trade battle.
Bombardier has deep US ties
Despite being a Canadian company, Bombardier has extensive links to the U.S. economy.
The company operates sites across the United States. It also relies on a large network of American suppliers.
Bombardier said it works with about 2,800 U.S. companies across 47 states. It also employs thousands of people in the United States.
Furthermore, the company produces some aircraft components in America.
Bombardier manufactures wings at its Texas facility. It also produces flight-control components in California.
Therefore, any attempt to block its aircraft could affect American workers and suppliers as well as the Canadian manufacturer.
Uncertainty surrounds Trump’s threat
For now, the biggest question involves how Trump could enforce a sales ban.
The administration has not publicly explained the mechanism.
Meanwhile, Bombardier has emphasized its close relationship with U.S. companies and employees.
The latest threat also shows how quickly the U.S.-Canada trade dispute continues to expand.
For Bombardier, the stakes are especially high. The company depends heavily on the American market.
For Washington and Ottawa, meanwhile, the dispute now extends well beyond tariffs.
The latest confrontation could therefore create further uncertainty for the North American aerospace industry.
