US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, saying the company could lose access to the American market unless it increases manufacturing in the United States.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Bombardier should build more aircraft in America if it wants to continue selling to US customers. He accused the Canadian company of benefiting from the US market without doing enough manufacturing on American soil.
The warning comes as trade tensions between the United States and Canada continue to intensify. Canada was preparing to introduce retaliatory tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of American products, adding another layer of pressure to already difficult relations between the two countries.
### Bombardier Responds to Trump's Warning
Bombardier did not directly respond to Trump's threat of restricting its sales in the United States. Instead, the company highlighted the significant role its American operations play in the US economy.
The Montreal-based aircraft manufacturer said its activities support tens of thousands of jobs across the country. Bombardier employs around 3,500 people in the United States and has operations in several states, including Kansas, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, Illinois, Delaware, California and New Jersey.
The company also emphasized its relationships with American businesses and employees. Bombardier said it plans to continue investing in its workforce, customers and communities throughout the United States.
The company already has a manufacturing presence in the US. Its facility in Wichita, Kansas, produces special-mission aircraft used for military and other government-related purposes. Bombardier also has a substantial customer base in the country, with about half of its roughly 5,100 aircraft operated by US-based customers.
### Uncertainty Over How Trump Could Restrict Sales
Despite Trump's strong language, it remains unclear what specific action his administration could take to prevent Bombardier from selling aircraft in the United States.
Bombardier manufactures its aircraft across facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Its products are also covered by the North American trade agreement negotiated during Trump's first presidency. The agreement is known as USMCA in the United States and CUSMA in Canada.
Any attempt to restrict Bombardier's access to the US market could therefore have broader consequences for the North American aviation industry and the companies that supply, operate or service Bombardier aircraft.
The company is particularly important to Canada's economy. A report commissioned by Bombardier estimated that the manufacturer contributed approximately C$7.4 billion to Canada's gross domestic product in 2024. It is also a major employer in Quebec's manufacturing industry.
Quebec's premier, Christine Fréchette, defended the company following Trump's comments. She described Bombardier as a source of pride for Quebec and an important part of the province's economy.
Fréchette said she had contacted Bombardier chief executive Éric Martel and offered the provincial government's support. She also rejected the idea that Quebec companies should have to change where they manufacture products simply to maintain access to foreign markets.
She called for a measured response, saying Quebec would not answer what she viewed as provocation with further provocation.
### Canada-US Trade Dispute Escalates
Trump's comments about Bombardier are part of a much wider dispute between Washington and Ottawa.
Trade negotiations between the two countries broke down late last month after Canada left the negotiating table. The US subsequently introduced new tariffs of up to 50% on selected Canadian goods.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the American approach, arguing that the final terms presented by the Trump administration were unfair and economically damaging.
US officials, meanwhile, accused Carney's government of refusing to reach an agreement for political reasons, pointing to Trump's lack of popularity in Canada. Carney rejected that accusation.
The Bombardier dispute adds a new dimension to the trade conflict because the company operates across North America and has strong commercial ties in both countries.
For Bombardier, the immediate question is how seriously Trump's threat will translate into government policy. For Canada, the dispute highlights the growing pressure on major domestic manufacturers that depend heavily on access to the American market.
As trade tensions continue, Bombardier's extensive US workforce, manufacturing operations and customer base could become important factors in determining how the dispute develops.
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