Key highlights:
- Donald Trump is targeting Bombardier in the US-Canadian trade war
- The president has warned the aircraft maker to move its production to the US
- Bombardier defended its growing presence in the US, gaining support from the Kansas senator
Amid the escalating US-Canadian trade war, Donald Trump is now targeting aircraft maker Bombardier. Trump has warned the Canadian aerospace giant to stop selling its aircraft in the US unless it moves its production to the country. The comments have added fresh pressure on the company as tensions between the two countries continue to rise.
Donald Trump targets Bombardier aircraft maker amid US-Canada trade war
The latest reports on the ongoing US-Canadian trade war focus on Donald Trump’s warning against Bombardier. Along with threatening to ban some of the Canadian products, Trump urged citizens to “BUY AMERICAN. FLY ON AMERICAN AIRLINERS. ENJOY AMERICAN LIQUOR AND BEVERAGES. SAIL ON LAKE AMERICA. AMERICA FIRST!” Commenting on the future of Bombardier in the US, Trump noted, “If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a ‘piggybank.’”
The US had previously targeted Bombardier as part of the wider trade war. The country threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian-made aircraft, while also warning against Bombardier’s Global Express business jets.
It is worth noting that the current target on Bombardier comes amid the ongoing trade tensions between the US and Canada. While the US has threatened Canada with imposing a 50% tariff on $20 billion in Canadian products, the latter retaliated with a similar move. As CoinCodex reported today, Canada’s 50% tariffs on US products like steel, aluminium, electronics, and household goods have taken effect.
How did Bombardier defend its US presence?
Significantly, Bombardier has highlighted its growing presence in the US while responding to Trump’s comments. According to the company, it is a major contributor to the American aerospace industry and supports thousands of jobs in the country. The company has its employees and facilities in more than 20 US States, including Arizona, Kansas, Texas, Florida, California, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Further highlighting the company’s broader presence in the US and the “American-made components” used in their planes, Bombardier added,
“Significantly, the wings for the world’s fastest business jet are made by American workers at Bombardier’s facility in Red Oak, Texas while crucial flight control components are made in Bombardier’s Los Angeles, California area facility. Bombardier has also announced extensive plans to grow its defense activities as well as its service network and will, later this year, inaugurate a new facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.”
Bombardier gets support from Kansas senator
Interestingly, Kansas Senator Jerry Moran has expressed his support for Bombardier. He pointed out the importance of the aircraft maker in the economy. According to Moran, Bombardier supports more than 1,000 workers in Kansas. The company also provides additional job opportunities through its supply chain.
Moreover, Moran stated that he had contacted the Trump administration to let the government know the contributions of Bombardier. He asserted that he would continue to support the company, making efforts to protect its manufacturing operations.
