Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs on Canadian Aircraft Amid Jet Certification Dispute

US, Jan 30 :  President Donald Trump on Thursday warned of sweeping trade action against Canada, threatening to decertify all Canadian made aircraft and impose a 50 per cent tariff unless US business jets are approved to operate in the Canadian market.

The announcement marks a fresh escalation in strained bilateral relations since Trump returned to office last year. The warning centres on an ongoing dispute over aircraft certification standards between the two countries.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the proposed action would affect aircraft manufactured in Canada, including Bombardier’s Global Express business jet produced in Quebec. He accused the Canadian government of using regulatory procedures to block American made Gulfstream aircraft from entering the domestic market.

Canada is effectively preventing the sale of Gulfstream jets through its certification process, Trump wrote, adding that failure to resolve the issue immediately would result in a 50 per cent tariff on all aircraft sold into the United States.

Trade dispute broadens beyond aviation

The aircraft warning comes amid a widening breakdown in diplomatic and trade relations between Washington and Ottawa. Earlier in the day, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Trump to respect Canada’s sovereignty after reports emerged of meetings between Alberta separatist groups and US officials.

Trump has also repeatedly criticised Canada’s growing economic engagement with China, warning of severe trade penalties if Ottawa deepens its ties with Beijing. He has threatened tariffs of up to 100 per cent on Canadian goods in response to any expanded cooperation with China.

Reiterating that position, Trump cautioned Carney against allowing Canada to serve as a transit point for Chinese exports to the US, warning that such a move would trigger immediate retaliatory measures.

China outreach and defence concerns add strain

Trump also criticised Canada’s opposition to his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system over Greenland, arguing that the initiative would enhance Canadian security. He contrasted this stance with Ottawa’s recent efforts to expand trade relations with China.

The remarks followed Carney’s visit to Beijing, where Canada and China agreed on measures to reduce tariffs on select agricultural exports and establish limits on Chinese electric vehicle imports. The framework may also pave the way for increased Chinese investment.

It was the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly ten years. Chinese President Xi Jinping described the talks as a reset in bilateral relations, citing shifts in the global economic landscape.

Carney later described Canada’s engagement with China as pragmatic and predictable, implicitly contrasting it with the current uncertainty in relations with the United States.