Trump Warns Bombardier on US Sales Unless Manufacturing Moves

Bombardier, based in Montreal, is one of Canada's largest companies. President Donald Trump has warned the Canadian aircraft manufacturer that it can no longer sell its products in the United States unless it relocates its manufacturing operations there. Trump stated in a Truth Social post on Monday, "NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a 'piggybank.'" This warning comes amid a rising trade conflict between the two countries and shortly before Canada is set to impose retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of US goods. The BBC has reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney's office and Bombardier for comments regarding this situation. It remains unclear how Trump plans to prevent Bombardier from conducting business in the US. Bombardier already operates a factory in Kansas that manufactures special mission military planes and employs approximately 3,500 American workers. About half of Bombardier's fleet, totaling 5,100 aircraft, is operated by customers based in the US. According to the company's website, Bombardier's jets are manufactured in Canada, the US, and Mexico, and they comply with the North American free trade agreement, known as CUSMA in Canada and USMCA in the US. The company has significantly contributed to Canada's economy, reporting C$7.4 billion ($5.4 billion; £4 billion) to the country's GDP in 2024, as per a report commissioned by Bombardier. Additionally, it is one of the largest employers in Quebec's manufacturing sector. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette referred to Bombardier as "a source of pride" for the province and a "flagship of our economy" in a post on X. She stated that she has contacted Bombardier CEO Éric Martel to offer her government's full support. In response to Trump's threat, Fréchette remarked, "I will not respond to provocation with provocation. Quebec will not allow anyone to dictate where our companies must produce in order to access a market." Trade negotiations between Canada and the US collapsed late last month after Canada withdrew from discussions, leading the US to impose new 50% tariffs on various Canadian goods. Prime Minister Carney accused the Trump administration of presenting last-minute terms that were "unfair" and "uneconomic," while US officials claimed he refused to finalize a deal for political reasons due to Trump's unpopularity in Canada, an assertion he denied.