Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs, Moves to Decertify Canadian Aircraft

US President Donald Trump has signalled a sharp escalation in trade tensions with Canada, announcing plans to decertify all Canadian-made aircraft and threatening a 50 per cent tariff unless American Gulfstream jets are approved for sale in Canada.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of blocking US aircraft through certification delays, singling out Bombardier’s Global Express jets manufactured in Quebec. He warned that unless the issue is “immediately corrected,” all Canadian aircraft sold in the United States would face steep tariffs.

The move marks another flashpoint in US–Canada relations since Trump’s return to office, amid broader disputes over trade, sovereignty and foreign policy.

Trump has also issued repeated warnings over Canada’s growing economic engagement with China. He has threatened a 100 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods if Ottawa proceeds with deeper trade ties with Beijing, accusing Prime Minister Mark Carney of turning Canada into a “drop-off port” for Chinese exports to the US.

Carney has pushed back, defending Canada’s China policy as “predictable and respectful” while urging Washington to respect Canadian sovereignty. He recently visited Beijing to revive economic cooperation, resulting in agreements to ease tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural exports, set quotas on Chinese electric vehicles, and explore increased Chinese investment.

The visit — the first by a Canadian leader in nearly a decade — was described by both sides as reflecting a shifting global trade environment. Chinese leaders welcomed what they called a reset in bilateral ties, even as tensions with Washington continue to mount.