Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier is defending its role in the United States economy after President Donald Trump threatened to block the company's sales south of the border unless it expands manufacturing there.
The latest clash comes as Canada imposed a new round of retaliatory tariffs on American goods, further escalating a trade dispute that has strained relations between the two countries for months.
Trump singled out Bombardier in a social media post Monday, saying the company should manufacture aircraft in the United States if it wants access to the American market.
"If they want our Market, they must build here," Trump wrote.
Bombardier highlights extensive U.S. presence
Bombardier responded with a detailed statement outlining the company's American operations and supply chain.
"The American aerospace industry is a clear winner on trade and exports," the statement said. "Bombardier is a strong contributor to the sector, creating tens of thousands of jobs across the United States."
According to the company, it employs workers in more than 20 states and operates facilities in Kansas, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, Illinois, Delaware, California, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey.
Bombardier said its supply chain includes roughly 2,800 American companies in 47 states. The company noted its aircraft are equipped with American-made engines, avionics and other components.
The wings for the Global 8,000 business jet, which Bombardier markets as the "world's fastest business jet," are produced at the company's facility in Red Oak, Texas. Flight control components are manufactured at its plant in Los Angeles.
“Bombardier values its great partnership with American companies and its U.S. employees,” the statement said. "Our plan is to continue to invest in our people, our customers and the communities in which we operate across the country.”
Political leaders respond
Quebec Economy Minister Christine Fréchette said the province would stand behind the aerospace manufacturer.
"Bombardier is a source of pride for Quebec, a flagship of our economy, and a major player in our aerospace industry," she wrote in French. "Behind this company are thousands of Quebec workers who showcase our expertise around the world.
"I have reached out to Éric Martel, CEO of Bombardier, to offer him our full support."
Support for Bombardier also came from the United States.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran said he contacted the White House to emphasize the company's importance to workers in his state.
"I will continue working to see that Bombardier’s manufacturing operations not only remain in Kansas but continue to grow and create American jobs."
Moran said Bombardier employs more than 1,000 people in Wichita and supports additional jobs through its supply chain.
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Trade dispute intensifies
Trump's comments came as Canada and the United States endure another round of reciprocal tariffs.
Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has imposed tariffs on goods from most countries, with Canada's steel, aluminum, automotive and forestry sectors among those most affected.
Canada initially responded with retaliatory measures, though some were later scaled back.
In July, Trump threatened additional tariffs unless Canada ended a series of measures, including provincial restrictions on U.S. liquor sales, Canada's reciprocal tariffs on American-made vehicles and longstanding limits on tariff-free dairy imports from the United States.
Negotiations broke down in mid-August when Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended talks ahead of a tariff deadline, accusing Washington of introducing last-minute demands that threatened Canadian sovereignty.
The following day, Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on $28 billion worth of Canadian products, including hockey sticks, cement, honey and cosmetics.
Canada responded by announcing matching tariffs on $28 billion in American goods, including dairy products, plywood and sunscreen. Those measures took effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT Tuesday.
Calls for answers from Ottawa
Carney did not directly address Trump's remarks about Bombardier on Monday.
In a Labour Day statement, the prime minister emphasized efforts to reduce Canada's dependence on any single trading partner.
"Canada is growing stronger and less dependent on any single partner. We are already giving ourselves far more than anyone can take away," he said.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, speaking in Regina, called on the federal government to provide more information about the impact of the planned tariffs.
He said Canadians should know how the measures could affect businesses and consumers, as well as what steps Ottawa would take to offset potential costs.
Poilievre also renewed his demand for the government to release the full details of the trade agreement that ultimately collapsed.
"All Canadians stand united in denouncing the president's unacceptable tweets, trolling and tariffs, and we have to stand united for its workers and all of our people," Poilievre said.
"The Canadian people deserve the facts and a plan — we need to have both of those things from the prime minister, and so far, we've had neither."
Meanwhile, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business warned that prolonged trade tensions could force some small businesses to shut their doors despite federal support programs.
