Trump threatens to block Bombardier sales in US unless production moves there

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday that Bombardier would have "NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES!" and said the company must build in the US if it wants the American market.

The remark came amid an escalating trade dispute between the neighbours and hours before Canada was due to impose retaliatory tariffs on $20bn of US goods. The BBC contacted the offices of the prime minister and Bombardier for comment.

It is unclear from the available information how Trump intends to prevent Bombardier from doing business in the US. Bombardier already operates a factory in Kansas that builds special-mission military planes and employs 3,500 American workers.

About half of Bombardier's fleet — 5,100 aircraft — are operated by US-based customers. According to the company, its jets are built at facilities in Canada, the US and Mexico and comply with the North American free trade agreement known as CUSMA/USMCA.

A report commissioned by Bombardier said the company contributed C$7.4bn to Canada's GDP in 2024 and is one of the largest employers in Quebec's manufacturing sector. Quebec premier Christine Fréchette wrote on X that Bombardier is "a source of pride" for the province, said she had contacted CEO Éric Martel and offered full government support, and added she "will not respond to provocation with provocation."

Trade talks between Canada and the US collapsed late last month after Canada walked away from the negotiating table; the US then imposed new 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods. Prime Minister Carney accused the Trump administration of presenting last-minute terms that were "unfair" and "uneconomic," while US officials said he refused to sign a deal for political reasons because of Trump's unpopularity in Canada — a charge Carney denied.