Trump Warns Bombardier Must Manufacture in US or Face Sales Ban

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier that it would no longer be permitted to sell in the US unless it began manufacturing in the country, in what is the latest episode in a growing trade war between Washington and Ottawa.

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote: "No more selling Bombardier in the United States!"

"Their products aren’t good enough!" he continued, while claiming that the company lived off "American buyers, American companies, American airports, and American service."

He added: "If they want our market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a 'piggybank.'"

It's not the first time the president has had the company in his sights.

In January, he threatened to hit Canada with a 50% tariff on all aircraft sold to the US and to decertify Bombardier aircraft as he raged against what he said was Canada's refusal to certify certain US-made Gulfstream planes.

Bombardier was founded in 1942 by Joseph-Armand Bombardier to market and sell his snowmobiles and later other "snow-going vehicles." The firm moved into the aerospace sector in 1986 after purchasing Canadair, which built the "Challenger" business jet.

Trade war

It comes amid a growing trade battle between the US and Canada.

Their ongoing tit-for-tat dispute reignited last month after talks over a deal to avoid hefty duties on some Canadian goods collapsed as both sides accused each other of trying to implement last-minute changes.

Following the breakdown in negotiations, 50% US duties impacting around C$28 billion worth of Canadian goods came into effect in late August, prompting Ottawa to announce retaliatory measures on roughly C$27.6 billion in imports from the US.

The US tariffs affect products ranging from hockey sticks to wine to cement.

The Canadian government said its retaliatory levies, which are due to come into effect on Tuesday, would be concentrated in sectors such as steel and aluminium, appliances, dairy, agricultural equipment, plastics, pulp and paper and electronics.