Will Trump's 50% Tariff Threat Ground Bombardier Jets in the US?

US President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions with Canada on January 30, 2026, threatening a massive 50 percent tariff on all Canadian-made aircraft sold into the United States. The threat, posted on social media, also included a warning to “decertify” Canadian-built jets, specifically naming the Bombardier Global Express series.

This move targets Canada’s aerospace sector. The President stated it was a direct response to what he called Canada’s “wrongful” refusal to certify several models of US-based Gulfstream business jets.

The Certification Dispute

The dispute centers on the certification process for new aircraft entering the Canadian market. President Trump accused Canadian regulators of blocking the sale of jets from Savannah, Georgia-based Gulfstream, a direct competitor to Bombardier.

• Targeted US Jets: Gulfstream G500, G600, G700, and G800 models.
• Retaliation: The US threat is to decertify Bombardier Global Express jets and all other Canadian-made aircraft until the Gulfstream models are fully approved by Transport Canada.

This aggressive stance immediately sent shockwaves through the North American aerospace market. Shares of Montreal-based Bombardier plunged following the announcement.

Potential Impact on US Aviation

If implemented, the 50 percent tariff would dramatically increase costs for US buyers. It would also severely disrupt the flow of aircraft across the border. The threat to “decertify” existing planes caused confusion among US airlines and operators.

US carriers rely heavily on Canadian-made aircraft for regional services. Airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate fleets of Bombardier CRJ regional jets.

• Fleet Exposure: Data from Cirium shows 150 Global Express aircraft are registered in the US. In total, over 5,400 Canadian-made aircraft are registered and operated across the country.
• Operational Risk: Any action affecting the airworthiness of these planes could create significant operational challenges for US air travel and regional connectivity.

Regulatory Authority Questioned

Legal and aviation experts quickly questioned the President’s authority to unilaterally decertify aircraft already in service. Aircraft certification is a safety process that traditionally falls under the independent authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

A White House official later clarified that the threat was not intended to ground Canadian-built planes currently in operation. However, the President’s warning still created alarm for buyers and owners of Bombardier planes.

Bombardier responded by confirming its aircraft, facilities, and technicians are fully certified to FAA standards. The manufacturer urged a swift resolution to prevent a significant impact on air traffic and the flying public.

This trade escalation adds new uncertainty to the aerospace sector. It highlights the political risks now facing manufacturers and airlines operating in the US-Canada corridor. The situation remains fluid as both governments seek a path forward.

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