Donald Trump threatens to ban Bombardier sales in United States unless manufacturing moves

Threats against aircraft sales

United States President Donald Trump declared on Monday that Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier will no longer be allowed to sell planes in the United States unless it shifts manufacturing inside the country. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump argued that the Montreal-based planemaker relies on the American economy while Canada allegedly restricts access for United States banks and corporations. He asserted that more than 50% of the company's revenue originates in the United States from domestic corporate clients, buyers, airports, and maintenance services. Alongside his post, Trump urged citizens to purchase American goods, fly on domestic aircraft, and navigate what he termed "Lake America," referencing Lake Ontario along the northern border.

If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a piggybank.

Trade conflict and retaliatory tariffs

The statements coincide with the introduction of new Canadian tariffs. Canada is scheduled to implement retaliatory surcharges of 15%, 25%, or 50% on Tuesday, covering roughly $20 billion of goods from the United States, including steel, dairy items, electronics, and pulp and paper. Canadian officials stated that the targeted amount matches the value of domestic goods subjected to 50% American tariffs that took effect on August 22. Bilateral relations deteriorated after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney halted formal negotiations with the White House on August 21. Carney accused Washington of attempting to impose an unfair deal that would turn Canada into a commercial subsidiary and damage domestic manufacturing, particularly the automotive sector.

Bombardier market footprint and operations

Bombardier is the fourth-largest aircraft producer in the world, focusing specifically on corporate and private business aircraft. The company already maintains an industrial presence in the United States through a dedicated facility in Kansas, where workers modify aircraft for specialized flight missions. In addition, about half of the approximately 5,000 Bombardier aircraft currently in service worldwide are based at American airfields. The company has continued its operational expansion in Canada, announcing on September 1 that it acquired a manufacturing plant from supplier Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build wings for its Global 5500 and Global 6500 business jets. Financially, Bombardier posted a 6% year-over-year increase in quarterly revenue in July, reaching $2.15 billion.

Previous regulatory and airspace disputes

The dispute marks the second time in 2026 that Trump has targeted the Canadian planemaker over trade and regulatory issues. In January, Trump threatened to decertify Bombardier Global Express business jets and impose 50% tariffs on all Canadian-made aircraft, citing Ottawa's delay in certifying private jets manufactured by American competitor Gulfstream Aerospace. Canadian regulators require aircraft to undergo full testing before flight approval, and Canada subsequently certified several Gulfstream models in February. Trump did not announce formal regulatory steps or executive orders against Bombardier alongside his Monday statement, and Bombardier did not immediately issue a public response.