Trump threatens Bombardier over U.S. manufacturing demands

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to ban the sale of aircraft from Canada's Bombardier unless the company manufactures planes in the United States. In response, Bombardier noted that major components for its planes, including wings and engines, are produced in the U.S., and its supply chain heavily relies on U.S. companies. Since the collapse of Canada-U.S. trade talks on August 21, Trump and his administration have imposed tariffs and made threats against Canada, which retaliated with tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of U.S. goods. "NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! Their products aren't good enough!" Trump stated in a social media post on Monday. He added, "If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a 'piggybank.'" Bombardier responded by stating that the American aerospace industry benefits from trade and exports, and that it creates tens of thousands of jobs directly and through its supply chain. Bombardier's supply chain includes about 2,800 U.S. companies across 47 states, with wings for its business jets made in Texas and flight control components produced near Los Angeles. Honeywell manufactures engines for Bombardier's Challenger jets in Phoenix, and Collins Aerospace produces avionics and communications equipment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bombardier emphasized its commitment to its partnership with American companies and its U.S. employees, stating its intention to continue investing in its operations. The company has significant operations in Kansas, where both U.S. senators have expressed concerns to the White House regarding the potential impact of Trump's threats on Kansas workers. Senator Jerry Moran stated, "I reached out to the Trump administration to make certain the President is aware of the significant contributions of Bombardier to Kansas and the importance of its presence in Wichita to many Kansas workers at Bombardier and in the Bombardier supply chain." Senator Roger Marshall echoed this support, stating, "I'm going to fight to keep Bombardier's over 1,200 Kansas jobs. I've already taken that concern inside the Oval Office." Earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada would purchase six early-warning radar planes from Sweden's Saab and Bombardier instead of U.S. aircraft manufacturers, with the Saab planes utilizing Bombardier's Global 6500 aircraft platform, which contains 20% U.S. content. The Canadian government is also reviewing plans to acquire U.S. F-35 fighter jets, while Saab has proposed manufacturing its Gripen fighter jet in Canada. Bombardier, founded by Joseph-Armand Bombardier in rural Quebec, is one of Canada's oldest manufacturers, having transitioned from making snowmobiles to focusing on private business jets after restructuring its operations.