Trump ups pressure on Canada, trade fight turns personal.
Trump warns tariffs will hit unless Canada clears Gulfstream jets, accusing Ottawa of unfairly blocking American aircraft.
US President Donald Trump has sharply escalated trade tensions with Canada, threatening to impose a sweeping 50 per cent tariff on all aircraft sold into the United States from across the border. The warning, delivered via a post on his Truth Social platform, targets Canada’s aircraft certification process and places Canadian planemaker Bombardier squarely in the firing line.
Trump said the tariff would come into force unless Canada “immediately” certifies business jets produced by US manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace. He accused Ottawa of “wrongly and illegally” refusing certification for several Gulfstream models, framing the issue as a deliberate barrier to American exports rather than a technical or regulatory dispute.
The threat marks a significant escalation in a long-running and often bitter aviation rivalry between the two countries. Aircraft manufacturing is one of the most sensitive sectors in US–Canada trade, supporting tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs on both sides of the border and deeply intertwined through supply chains, shared standards, and joint ventures. A move as drastic as a blanket tariff on aircraft could send shockwaves through the industry.
At the heart of the dispute lies certification, the process by which national aviation authorities approve aircraft for commercial use. In Canada, that authority rests with Transport Canada, which works closely with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) but retains the right to make independent determinations. Trump’s comments suggest deep frustration with what he views as unequal treatment, arguing that Canadian authorities are blocking Gulfstream jets while protecting domestic manufacturers.
Bombardier, Canada’s flagship aircraft maker, appears to be an implicit target of the threat. The company has a long history of trade clashes with the United States, including high-profile disputes during Trump’s first term. In 2017, Bombardier faced proposed US tariffs of nearly 300 per cent on its CSeries jets following a complaint by Boeing, a case that ultimately collapsed but left lasting scars on cross-border trade relations.
Industry experts warn that reviving such confrontations could hurt both sides. Canadian-built aircraft are widely used by US airlines, charter operators, and private buyers. A 50 per cent tariff would dramatically increase costs, likely leading to cancelled orders, delayed deliveries, and job losses not only in Canada but also among US suppliers who provide engines, avionics, and components for Canadian aircraft.
Trump’s rhetoric reflects his broader trade philosophy, which emphasizes aggressive pressure tactics and the use of tariffs as leverage. By tying the proposed tariff directly to Gulfstream’s certification, he is signaling a willingness to use economic punishment to force regulatory outcomes. Supporters argue this approach defends American companies against unfair treatment. Critics counter that it undermines established regulatory processes and risks turning safety decisions into political bargaining chips.
Canadian officials have not yet publicly responded in detail, but Ottawa has historically defended its certification process as independent, rules-based, and focused on safety rather than protectionism. Any suggestion that aircraft approvals are being manipulated for trade advantage would likely be strongly rejected.
There is also concern within the aviation community that politicizing certification could erode trust between regulators. The global aviation system relies on mutual recognition and cooperation to ensure safety and efficiency. If countries begin retaliating over approvals, experts warn, it could fragment standards and create uncertainty for manufacturers and passengers alike.
Beyond aviation, the dispute adds strain to a broader economic relationship already facing pressure from disagreements over energy, manufacturing, and industrial policy. Canada is one of the United States’ closest allies and largest trading partners, and sudden tariff threats risk inflaming public opinion on both sides of the border.
For now, Trump’s warning remains just that—a threat. But its tone and scale underscore how quickly technical trade disagreements can escalate under a confrontational approach. Whether Canada moves to certify the Gulfstream jets, or whether Washington follows through with its tariff threat, will shape not only the future of Bombardier and Gulfstream, but also the fragile balance of trust underpinning North American trade.