United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a significant tariff on Canada as part of an ongoing trade dispute. Trump made the announcement via his Truth Social account, stating that a 50% tariff will be applied to all aircraft sold from Canada to the US due to Canada’s refusal to certify multiple Gulfstream jets.
This decision follows a previous threat by Trump to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if the country proceeded with a trade deal with China. In his social media post, Trump accused Canada of unlawfully withholding certification for Gulfstream jets, specifically the 500, 600, 700, and 800 models. He further stated that the US will decertify Canada’s Bombardier Global Express aircraft until the certification issue is resolved.
Trump alleged that Canada is impeding the sale of Gulfstream products in the country by manipulating the certification process. He warned that unless the situation is rectified promptly, a 50% tariff will be enforced on all aircraft entering the US from Canada.
According to industry expert Richard Aboulafia, the direct decertification of jets by a president is unprecedented, as such decisions have traditionally been made by aviation safety authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration. Aboulafia criticized the use of aircraft safety as a bargaining tool in a trade war, labeling it as a detrimental tactic. This move marks the latest development in the ongoing disagreement between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.