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Bombardier defends US manufacturing amid Trump’s aviation sales threat

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-08

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Bombardier responded to President Trump's threat to block its aircraft sales in the U.S. unless the company increases its domestic manufacturing, asserting that it already has a significant presence in the country. • Why it matters: The exchange highlights ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, with potential implications for cross-border trade and the aerospace industry, as Bombardier employs thousands in the U.S. and sources components from American suppliers. • What to watch next: Monitor the White House's response to Bombardier's defense and any further developments in U.S.-Canada trade relations, especially regarding tariffs and manufacturing policies.

**Bombardier Defends US Manufacturing Amid Trump’s Threat to Block Sales**

On September 8, 2026, Bombardier, the Canadian aerospace manufacturer, responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats regarding the company’s sales in the United States. Trump had stated that he would block Bombardier’s aircraft sales unless the company increased its manufacturing presence in the U.S. Bombardier countered these claims, asserting that it already has a significant manufacturing footprint in the country.

In a statement to Al Jazeera, Bombardier emphasized its contribution to the U.S. economy, noting that it employs approximately 3,500 workers across the United States. The company highlighted that its aircraft are constructed using American-made components, including engines and avionics sourced from various U.S. suppliers. Bombardier pointed out that it collaborates with suppliers in 47 states and invests around $2.5 billion annually in these partnerships.

Trump’s comments were made on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he criticized Bombardier for generating 50% of its revenue in the U.S. while relying on American buyers and companies. He stated, “NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! Their products aren’t good enough!” He further insisted that if Bombardier wished to continue selling in the U.S. market, it must manufacture its products domestically and cease what he described as treating America like a “piggybank.”

In response to Trump’s remarks, Bombardier reiterated its commitment to the American market and its workforce. The company noted that it manufactures key components, such as wings in Texas and flight control systems in California. Additionally, Bombardier is set to open a new service center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and operates existing centers in several states, including Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Florida, and Connecticut.

The situation has drawn attention from various political figures, including Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, where Bombardier’s U.S. headquarters is located. Moran defended the company, stating that Bombardier’s presence in Wichita supports a local workforce and contributes to the nation’s aerospace and defense capabilities. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) also expressed opposition to any measures that would block Bombardier’s sales in the U.S.

The exchange between Trump and Bombardier comes amid rising trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Following the introduction of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods by the White House, Canada implemented retaliatory tariffs affecting hundreds of U.S.-made products worth $20 billion. These developments have heightened concerns about the potential impact on cross-border trade and manufacturing.

On Wall Street, Bombardier’s stock price fell by more than 6.5% in midday trading following Trump’s comments, while shares of competitors Boeing and Airbus saw slight increases. This decline in Bombardier’s stock reflects the broader market reaction to the ongoing trade disputes and the uncertainty surrounding the company’s operations in the U.S.

This is not the first instance of tension between Trump and Bombardier. In January of the same year, Trump accused the company of delaying the certification of Gulfstream business jets in Canada, which he claimed was hindering competition. Additionally, during his first term, Trump supported Boeing’s allegations that Bombardier was using government subsidies to sell its jets at artificially low prices in the U.S. market, leading to proposed tariffs of nearly 300%. However, these tariffs were ultimately not enforced after the U.S. International Trade Commission determined that Bombardier’s aircraft had not harmed the American aerospace sector.

Several U.S. airlines, including Delta, United, American, and Alaska, operate Bombardier jets through regional partners, indicating the importance of the manufacturer to the U.S. aviation landscape.

As the situation develops, the White House has not yet issued a response to Bombardier’s defense of its manufacturing practices in the U.S. The ongoing discourse highlights the complexities of international trade relations and the significant role that companies like Bombardier play in both the Canadian and American economies.

Source: Al Jazeera
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