The United States and Canada are facing a fresh trade conflict after US President Donald Trump threatened major action against Canadian aircraft manufacturers. The dispute revolves around aircraft certification and the treatment of US-based Gulfstream Aerospace by Canadian authorities. Trump warned that the United States could impose heavy tariffs and decertify Canadian aircraft if the issue is not resolved immediately.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Canada has refused to certify several Gulfstream business jets and called the decision unfair and illegal. He wrote, “Based on the fact that Canada has wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 Jets,” and described the aircraft as “one of the greatest, most technologically advanced aeroplanes ever made.”

Trump said that Canada’s actions were blocking Gulfstream’s ability to sell its aircraft in the Canadian market. He stated, “Canada is effectively prohibiting the sale of Gulfstream products in Canada through this very same certification process,” and added that Gulfstream should have been approved “many years ago.”

In response, Trump announced that the United States would take strong countermeasures. He said that the US would decertify Canadian aircraft, including Bombardier’s flagship jets. In his statement, he said, “We are hereby decertifying their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada, until such time as Gulfstream, a Great American Company, is fully certified.”

Trump also warned that if Canada does not act quickly to change its decision, the United States will impose severe trade penalties. He said, “If, for any reason, this situation is not immediately corrected, I am going to charge Canada a 50 per cent tariff on any and all aircraft sold into the United States of America.” This warning signals a major escalation in trade tensions between the two countries, especially in the aviation sector.

Canada is home to major aircraft manufacturing companies, with Bombardier being one of its most important planemakers. On the other hand, Gulfstream is a leading company in the US business jet market. The dispute highlights growing competition and political pressure in the global aviation industry.

The latest tariff threat comes at a time when political tensions between the two countries are already sensitive. Reports suggest that the Trump administration recently hosted representatives of an Albertan separatist movement that seeks independence from Canada. Ottawa has strongly rejected any idea of Canada breaking apart, especially in light of Trump’s past remarks about the country potentially becoming the 51st US state. Alberta is also known as Canada’s main energy-producing province, which adds to its political and economic importance.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to the situation by stressing the importance of respecting Canada’s independence. He said, “We expect the US administration to respect Canadian sovereignty. I’m always clear in my conversations with President Trump to that effect.”

Trump’s latest move reflects his broader approach to international trade. He has increasingly used tariffs as a tool to push other countries to meet US demands. Recently, he signed an executive order that would impose tariffs on goods from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba. This shows that tariffs remain a key part of his strategy in dealing with foreign governments and trade disputes.

The current conflict between the United States and Canada over aircraft certification and trade measures could have significant consequences for the aviation industry in both countries. If the threats are carried out, they could affect aircraft manufacturers, business jet markets, and broader trade relations between the two neighbours. For now, the situation remains tense, with both sides standing firm on their positions and the possibility of further escalation still open.