Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft Over Gulfstream Certification Feud.

The United States and Canada are facing new aerospace trade tensions. President Donald Trump threatened a 50 percent import tariff on Canadian-made aircraft. This threat was posted on his Truth Social platform late Thursday, January 29, 2026. He also declared the "decertification" of all Canadian aircraft. The move escalates a dispute over aircraft certification.

Certification Dispute and Retaliation

President Trump accused Canada of blocking U.S. business jet sales. Specifically, he cited Transport Canada certification delays. These delays affect Gulfstream's G500, G600, G700, and G800 jets. Trump stated the U.S. would decertify Bombardier Global Express jets. This would apply to all Canadian-made aircraft decertification. The order is effective until Gulfstream is fully certified in Canada.

Industry and Regulatory Reaction

The threat caused immediate shockwaves in the aerospace sector. Bombardier's stock plunged by 9% the following morning. The Canadian manufacturer quickly issued a public statement. Bombardier noted it is in contact with the Canadian government. The company highlighted its significant U.S. presence. Bombardier employs over 3,000 U.S. workers at nine facilities. It also supports thousands of jobs through 2,800 U.S. suppliers.

Industry experts quickly questioned the President's authority. Aircraft certification is typically an independent process. This role falls to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. Experts warn that mixing safety and politics is a bad idea. Such actions could undermine the global aviation system's integrity.

Potential Impact on U.S. Aviation

This US-Canada aircraft tariff threat has broad implications. It extends beyond the Bombardier Gulfstream dispute. Data from Cirium shows nearly 2,700 Canadian-made Bombardier aircraft are registered in the U.S. This includes the Global Express business jets. It also includes regional jets like the CRJ series. Many U.S. airlines operate these regional jets.

• New Sales: A 50% tariff would likely halt new sales of Canadian aircraft to U.S. buyers.
• Existing Fleet: The term "decertification" caused alarm among current owners and operators.
• Air Traffic: Bombardier warned the situation could impact air traffic and the flying public.

A White House official later clarified the tariff would only apply to new planes. However, the decertification language remains a major concern. Any action would create significant instability in the business jet market impact.

Bombardier and Gulfstream are direct rivals. Their competition for market share is intense. This political intervention is unprecedented in recent history. It highlights growing aerospace trade tensions between the nations. Resolving the issue quickly is critical for North American aerospace stability.

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