Trump Threatens 50% Aircraft Tariff, Escalates Trade Standoff With Canada

President Donald Trump on Thursday intensified an already strained trade relationship with Canada, warning that aircraft sold into the United States could face a hefty 50 percent tariff. The threat marks a sharp escalation in his ongoing dispute with Ottawa and adds fresh pressure to bilateral ties as frictions with Prime Minister Mark Carney deepen.

The announcement came via social media, days after Trump floated an even more severe measure—suggesting a 100 percent tariff on Canadian imports if the country moved ahead with a trade agreement with China. Canada has since completed that deal, though Trump did not specify when or how the proposed penalties might take effect.

According to the president, the latest warning is directly tied to Canada’s refusal to certify certain business jets produced in the United States. Trump said Ottawa declined to approve aircraft built by Gulfstream Aerospace at its Savannah, Georgia facility, prompting a retaliatory response from Washington.