Trump threatens 50% tariff on Canadian jets over Gulfstream certification

In a high-stakes move, the United States arms itself with sharp rhetoric in a budding aviation dispute with Canada, centering on the certification of Gulfstream jets and what the White House calls foot-dragging by regulators. The president linked the issue to a broader willingness to use tariffs to pressure Ottawa into approving multiple Gulfstream models without delay.

Trump warned that if Canada does not reverse course quickly, the United States will impose penalties on aircraft imports, outlining a potential 50% tariff on all Canada-made aircraft sold into the United States. He also floated the drastic step of decertifying Bombardier aircraft in the United States until Canadian regulators clear Gulfstream’s certifications, framing Gulfstream as a flagship American product stifled by Canadian procedures.

The president portrayed Gulfstream as a premier, technologically advanced line that has been unfairly blocked by Canada’s certification process, saying Gulfstream should have been approved years ago. He described Canada’s approach as effectively shutting Gulfstream out of the Canadian market and asserted that the delay is not in the interests of American consumers or the broader aerospace sector.

Ottawa regulators face pressure as Canada remains a significant aircraft manufacturing hub, led by Bombardier, while Gulfstream maintains its ties to the U.S. market. The standoff could set the tone for future North American aviation policy and trade leverage, depending on how Ottawa responds and whether Washington maintains the tariff threat or backs down in the face of industry pushback.

Observers say the dispute could ripple through the aerospace supply chain, impacting jobs and pricing if tariffs come into play. The outcome may hinge on diplomatic maneuvering as both sides weigh short-term disruption against longer-term regulatory alignment.

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