President Donald Trump has threatened to ban sales of aircraft from Canadian manufacturer Bombardier in the United States unless the company increases its manufacturing presence within the U.S. Trump stated in a social media post that if Bombardier wants access to the U.S. market, it must build its planes in America and cease what he characterized as treating the country like a "piggybank."
Bombardier responded by emphasizing its significant U.S. footprint, noting that many components for its private jets, including wings manufactured in Texas and flight control systems produced near Los Angeles, are made in the United States. The company stated that its supply chain relies heavily on approximately 2,800 U.S. companies across 47 states, creating tens of thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly.
"Bombardier values its great partnership with American companies and its U.S. employees. Our plan is to continue to invest in our people, our customers, and the communities in which we operate across the country," a company statement read. Bombardier highlighted that the American aerospace industry is a "clear winner on trade and exports" due to its operations.
Trump's threat comes amid ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada. Since trade talks collapsed on August 21, the Trump administration has imposed tariffs and issued threats against Canada, which in turn retaliated with tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of U.S. goods.
In Kansas, a state Trump won in 2024 by a significant margin, Bombardier employs over 1,000 workers. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas stated he has contacted the Trump administration to ensure the President is aware of Bombardier's contributions to the state's economy and its importance to the local workforce and supply chain. Moran has committed to working to keep the company's manufacturing operations in Kansas.
Earlier this year, Canada's government opted to purchase six early warning radar planes from Sweden's Saab and Bombardier, utilizing Bombardier's Global 6500 aircraft platform, over U.S.-made alternatives from Boeing or L3Harris. These planes have 20% U.S. content. Canada is also reviewing a potential purchase of U.S. F-35 fighter jets, while Saab has proposed manufacturing its Gripen fighter jet in Canada.
Bombardier, founded in Quebec in the 1930s, has a long history in manufacturing. The company has undergone restructuring, selling off its train and regional/commercial aircraft divisions to focus on producing private business jets. It has also spun off its snowmobile and recreational equipment businesses.