Trump Threatens to Stop Sale of Canadian Bombardier Jets in the US

Tue Sep 08 2026 10:37:03 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump demands Bombardier move its production to the United States or risk losing access to the American market.

A post on Truth Social warned that Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier could be barred from selling jets in the United States unless it relocates manufacturing stateside. Trump’s move follows Canada’s decision to impose tariffs on US goods worth $20 bn. Bombardier, based in Montreal, employs thousands of U.S. workers and has facilities across the country. The company responded by highlighting its jobs‑creating role in the U.S. economy, while Canadian officials urged a diplomatic approach. The dispute reflects an escalating trade war between Canada and the United States.

Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Bombardier

Former U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Monday to threaten Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier with a ban in the United States unless it moves its production there. In the post, he wrote, “NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a ‘piggybank’.”

This warning comes amid a widening trade dispute. Canada is poised to levy a 50% tariff on $20 bn (£14.7 bn) worth of U.S. goods, while Bombardier’s jets are already built in Canadian, U.S. and Mexican facilities. The company employs 3,500 workers in Kansas and has sites in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, Illinois, Delaware, California, the District of Columbia and New Jersey.

Bombardier’s response was guarded, focusing on the economic benefit of its presence in the United States. “Our operations create tens of thousands of US jobs through the company’s growing American footprint,” the company said. “We value our great partnership with American companies and our US employees.” It avoided comment on Trump’s threat directly.

The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has expressed concern that the Trump administration’s conditions are “unfair” and “uneconomic.” Quebec premier Christine Fréchette has defended Bombardier as a provincial “source of pride” and has pledged government support, warning that Quebec will not allow any external pressure to dictate production sites.

The dispute illustrates the fragile nature of North American trade agreements. Bombardier’s jets comply with the Canada‑US‑Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) that Trump signed during his first term. The company’s involvement in the U.S. market is significant, with 5,100 aircraft operated by U.S. customers, contributing roughly C$7.4 bn ($5.4 bn) to Canada’s GDP in 2024.

Until the U.S. and Canada find a resolution, Bombardier faces the prospect of a costly, uncertain future in North America. The next few days will be crucial as diplomats engage to resolve the escalating tensions.