Trump targets Bombardier, says Canadian jetmaker 'must build' in the US

September 7, 2026 - 21:09

President Donald Trump has sharpened his trade battle with Canada, directly targeting plane maker Bombardier with a demand that the company shift production to the United States. In a statement, Trump said the Canadian manufacturer "must build" its aircraft on American soil, or risk losing access to the U.S. market entirely.

The warning marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tariff dispute between the two countries. Bombardier, which has major operations in Quebec and Ontario, currently sells a range of business jets and regional aircraft to U.S. customers. Trump argued that without domestic manufacturing, those sales should be blocked, framing the issue as a matter of fairness for American workers.

Bombardier has not yet issued a formal response, but industry analysts note that moving assembly lines would be a massive undertaking, involving supply chains, labor agreements, and billions in investment. The company already operates a facility in Wichita, Kansas, for its Learjet line, but its larger Challenger and Global models are built in Canada.

The president's comments come as trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa remain tense, with tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other goods still in place. Trump has repeatedly pushed for more manufacturing jobs to return to the U.S., and Bombardier now appears to be his latest target. Whether the company will bend to the pressure or fight back through trade channels remains unclear, but the stakes are high for both sides.