Washington, DC, January 30 - President Donald Trump has announced a significant escalation in trade tensions with Canada, declaring the decertification of all Canadian-made aircraft in the United States. This action stems from Canada's alleged wrongful and prolonged refusal to certify several advanced Gulfstream private jet models, including the G500, G600, G700, and G800. Trump described these Gulfstream jets as among the most technologically advanced airplanes ever produced, manufactured by the esteemed American company Gulfstream Aerospace. He emphasized that Canada has effectively blocked the sale of these Gulfstream products within its borders through the same certification process, prompting reciprocal measures against Canadian manufacturers, particularly Bombardier and its Global Express series.
The decision to decertify Bombardier Global Expresses and all other aircraft produced in Canada is intended to remain in effect until Gulfstream achieves full certification in Canada, a step Trump asserts should have occurred years ago. This move highlights ongoing disputes in bilateral aviation regulatory approvals, where certification delays can impact market access for high-value private jets and business aircraft. By linking the status of American-made luxury jets to Canadian counterparts, the announcement underscores the interconnected nature of the North American aerospace industry and the potential for certification issues to evolve into broader trade conflicts.
Trump further warned that if Canada does not immediately address and correct the certification situation, the United States will impose a 50% tariff on any and all aircraft sold into the American market from Canada. This proposed tariff would dramatically increase costs for U.S. buyers of Canadian-built planes, affecting operators, corporations, and the private aviation sector reliant on models like the Bombardier Global series. The threat represents a forceful push to resolve what Trump views as unfair barriers to American exports in the premium private jet segment.
This development adds to the complexities of U.S.-Canada trade relations in the aerospace sector, where mutual recognition of certifications has historically supported cross-border sales of business and private jets. The focus on Gulfstream certification delays illustrates how regulatory hurdles can intersect with economic policy, potentially influencing supply chains, pricing, and competitiveness for Gulfstream private jets and Canadian aircraft alike. Industry observers note the high stakes involved, given the significant value and technological sophistication of these aircraft in global markets.
