Friday, January 30, 2026-In a striking escalation of U.S.–Canada trade tensions, President Donald Trump has publicly warned that the United States will decertify Canadian‑made aircraft and impose a 50 % tariff on all Canadian aircraft imported into the American market unless Canada immediately approves certification for a series of U.S.‑built Gulfstream business jets. Trump accused Ottawa of unfairly blocking the sale of key American models while Canadian aircraft continue to fly and sell freely in the U.S. market.
The core of the dispute centers on regulatory approvals for Gulfstream’s G500, G600, G700 and G800 jets, which the U.S. claims have been wrongfully delayed by Canadian authorities — effectively shutting U.S. makers out of an important market.
In retaliation, Trump said he is moving to “decertify” Canadian aircraft such as Bombardier’s Global Express used widely by U.S. operators and is threatening steep tariffs on all planes built in Canada if the certification impasse isn’t resolved immediately. Experts warn such measures would disrupt the North American aerospace supply chain and could have far‑reaching consequences for airlines, private operators and industry jobs on both sides of the border.
Industry leaders and analysts are sounding alarms over the implications of using aircraft safety certification, traditionally a technical and safety‑focused process, as leverage in a trade fight.
While the President’s threats are seen as a powerful negotiating tactic, some legal and aviation experts contend that regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may lack clear authority to decertify aircraft on economic grounds alone. Meanwhile, Bombardier has confirmed it is in talks with the Canadian government amid concerns the dispute could threaten commercial operations and investment in the sector.
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