President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that any aircraft sold in the US by Canada could face a steep 50 per cent tariff. This marks the latest escalation in his trade battle with Canada as tensions with Prime Minister Mark Carney continue to rise.
The Republican President said the tariff would be imposed unless Canada immediately grants certification to business jets produced by US aircraft maker Gulfstream Aerospace. He alleged that Ottawa has illegally withheld approval for several Gulfstream models.
"Based on the fact that Canada has wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 Jets, one of the greatest, most technologically advanced airplanes ever made, we are hereby decertifying their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada, until such time as Gulfstream, a Great American Company, is fully certified, as it should have been many years ago," he posted on Truth Social.
Trump also claimed that America's northern neighbour is effectively preventing Gulfstream from selling its aircraft in the Canadian market. "Further, Canada is effectively prohibiting the sale of Gulfstream products in Canada through this very same certification process. If, for any reason, this situation is not immediately corrected, I am going to charge Canada a 50% Tariff on any and all Aircraft sold into the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!," he added.
The threat is the latest episode in a long-running dispute between the US and its neighbour since Trump assumed office in 2025. Earlier this week, Trump also warned that the US could slap a massive 100 per cent tariff on its second-largest trading partner if it went ahead with a trade agreement with China.
Trump-Carney tension
Last week, Trump lashed out at Canada for opposing his proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defence project over Greenland, which he claims would also protect the northern neighbour. He warned that Beijing could 'eat them up' within a year if Canada prioritises closer ties with China over US-backed security.
"Canada is against The Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada. Instead, they voted in favor of doing business with China, who will 'eat them up' within the first year!," Trump posted on Truth Social.
The US President's outburst added to mounting US–Canada tensions triggered by Carney's comments at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. The Canadian PM condemned coercion by great powers on smaller countries without mentioning Trump's name.
"Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian," Carney said in response to Trump's remarks in Davos.
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