Shares of Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier plunged nine percent Friday morning after United States President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% import tariff on all aircraft manufactured in Canada. The President stated the punitive tariffs would remain until the US certified the latest jet model produced by American competitor Gulfstream, according to a post on Truth Social late Thursday.
A White House official reportedly clarified that the threat did not apply to Canadian-built planes currently operating in the US, yet the warning generated significant alarm among operators and industry analysts. The US market represents the world's largest segment for business aviation, making any regulatory disruption potentially severe for both manufacturers and owners.
Trump’s statement explicitly mentioned “decertifying their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada” until Gulfstream planes received necessary approvals from US regulators. Gulfstream is a subsidiary of General Dynamics, a major US defense contractor.
This action, if implemented, would significantly impact US carriers such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which utilize Canadian-made regional jets for numerous services. Data provider Cirium indicated that approximately 150 Global Express aircraft are currently registered and in service across the United States.
The situation introduces renewed bilateral trade tensions, occurring shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged nations to resist the dissolution of the US-championed rules-based global order. Aerospace trade has largely been insulated from the broader US-led trade disputes under the USMCA agreement until this recent development.
Bombardier responded Thursday, confirming the company noted the President’s post and was engaging with the Canadian government regarding the issue. The manufacturer emphasized its significant US footprint, stating it supports over 3,000 jobs across nine American facilities and sustains thousands more through its extensive domestic supply chain.
Legal specialists confirmed receiving immediate inquiries from clients concerned about the status of existing or prospective Bombardier aircraft purchases due to the uncertainty. The potential tariff imposition represents a direct challenge to established trade norms within the aerospace sector.
