US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to block Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier from selling its jets in the United States unless the company relocates its manufacturing operations to American soil. The warning came in a post on Truth Social, escalating trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa just hours before Canada was set to impose retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of US goods.
Trump’s demand follows a breakdown in bilateral trade talks and a series of provocative statements from both governments in recent weeks. In his post, Trump accused Bombardier of relying on the US market while Canada allegedly restricted American companies, including Gulfstream Aerospace, from operating in Canada. "NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! Their products aren’t good enough!" Trump wrote. "If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a 'piggybank.'"
Bombardier’s operations span multiple countries, including facilities in Canada, the US, and Mexico. The company employs 3,500 American workers at its Kansas factory, which produces special mission military planes, and generates over half of its revenue from US customers. Bombardier’s jets are also compliant with the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), the updated NAFTA framework negotiated during Trump’s first term. The company contributed C$7.4 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2024 and is a major employer in Quebec’s manufacturing sector.
Canadian response has been swift. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette called Bombardier "a source of pride" for her province and stated that Quebec would not allow external pressure to dictate where companies must produce. "I will not respond to provocation with provocation," she said. "Quebec will not allow anyone to dictate where our companies must produce in order to access a market." Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated Canada’s willingness to negotiate a durable trade agreement while emphasizing the protection of Canadian workers and businesses. "We are always going to stand up for what's in the best interest of Canada, Canadian workers, and Canadian families," Carney said at a press conference.
Trade war escalation has intensified in recent months. The US imposed 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports on August 22, following the collapse of trade talks. Canada has pledged to retaliate dollar-for-dollar, with new tariffs set to take effect on Tuesday. The dispute has also seen symbolic actions, including Trump’s recent renaming of Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' on US maps, a move widely seen as a provocative gesture.
Bombardier’s global presence includes a fleet of 5,100 aircraft, with half operated by US-based customers. The company’s business jets are favored by high-profile figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, and Kylie Jenner. Trump’s latest threat echoes a similar warning he issued in January, which did not result in immediate action. Analysts note that enforcing a ban on Bombardier’s sales in the US would require significant regulatory or legislative steps, though the administration has not yet specified how such a measure would be implemented.
Economic impact of the dispute remains a concern for both nations. Bombardier’s operations in Canada and the US are deeply integrated, and disruptions could affect thousands of jobs. The company has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s latest demand. Trade experts warn that prolonged tensions could undermine the benefits of the USMCA agreement and strain North American supply chains.