Trump threatens to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian-made aircraft

US President Trump warned that if Canada does not immediately resolve the licensing issues regarding several types of jet business jets produced by the US-based Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, the US will impose a 50% tariff on Canadian-made aircraft sold in the US and revoke the certification of all Canadian-made aircraft.

Bloomberg reported that on Thursday (January 29th), Trump posted a tweet on social media saying that Canada "wrongly, illegally and stubbornly refused" to certify the Gulfstream Aerospace Corp's 500, 600, 700 and 800 series jet aircraft.

He said that in response, the United States would revoke the certifications of the "Bombardier Global Express" series of aircraft and all aircraft manufactured in Canada, "until the renowned American company Gulfstream obtains full certification."

Trump claimed that Canada "is prohibiting the sale of Gulfstream Yu Hang Company's products in Canada through this certification process".

He said, "If this situation is not rectified immediately, I will impose a 50% tariff on all Canadian aircraft sold to the United States."

The threat issued by Trump on the 29th indicates a further escalation of trade tensions between the US and Canada. Previously, Trump had stated that if Canada signs a free trade agreement with China, the US will impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods.

The Bombardier Global Express series of aircraft are the top-of-the-line ultra-long-range, large-sized luxury private business jets in the industry.