Trump’s Tweet Sends Shockwaves Through Bombardier
On Monday, President Donald Trump posted on X that Bombardier Inc. should be barred from selling aircraft in the United States. The tweet, which called for the company to “build here” and “stop treating America like a ‘piggybank,’” triggered a 5.2 % drop in the Canadian jet maker’s stock, bringing the share price to C$298.70 by 9:57 a.m. in Toronto.
The comment came just hours before the Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced counter‑tariffs ranging from 15 % to 50 % on hundreds of U.S. products. The move was a retaliatory response to a 50 % tariff on roughly $20 billion of goods Canada imports from the United States each year. The escalation followed the failure of the two countries to reach a new trade agreement on August 21.
Bombardier’s U.S. Footprint
Bombardier, headquartered near Montreal, says it supports tens of thousands of U.S. jobs, including its own employees and about 2,800 suppliers across 47 states. The company’s largest aircraft, the Global 8000, has wings manufactured in Red Oak, Texas, and flight‑control components produced in Los Angeles. In 2023, 56 % of Bombardier’s sales came from the U.S., according to Bloomberg data.
The firm also announced plans to open a new service centre in Fort Wayne, Indiana, later this year, signalling continued investment in the American market.
Analysts Warn of Rising Trade Risk
National Bank of Canada analyst Cameron Doerksen noted that the U.S. President’s threat could heighten uncertainty for Bombardier. He highlighted that the U.S. had exported an estimated $9.4 billion in aerospace products to Canada in 2025, underscoring the sector’s interdependence. "Canada is a critical market, but it is also a critical supplier to major U.S. aircraft OEMs," Doerksen wrote.
The Trump administration has previously hinted at a 50 % tariff on commercial aircraft under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, citing national‑security concerns. The president’s July 9 statement that U.S. aircraft could be targeted for tariffs further intensified worries among investors.
Political Reactions
Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, home to Bombardier’s U.S. headquarters, posted on X that he had reached out to the Trump administration to emphasize the company’s contributions to the state’s economy. Meanwhile, Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette warned that Trump’s comments often foreshadow policy action and pledged provincial support for Bombardier and its workers.
What’s Next?
The situation remains fluid. Investors will be watching for any formal U.S. tariff announcement targeting Bombardier, as well as potential further Canadian counter‑tariffs. The outcome of ongoing trade negotiations could also influence the company’s strategic decisions and the broader aerospace supply chain.
Bottom Line
Bombardier’s share price decline reflects heightened trade uncertainty amid a standoff between Canada and the United States. The company’s deep ties to the U.S. economy, coupled with the possibility of new tariffs, make it a focal point in the evolving trade dispute.