Trump threatens 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft in escalating Gulfstream certification fight

Core Viewpoint - President Trump threatens to decertify Canadian-made aircraft and impose a 50% tariff unless Canada certifies Gulfstream jets, accusing Canada of blocking certification while allowing its own planes access to the U.S. market [1][2]. Group 1: Aircraft Certification Dispute - The dispute revolves around the aircraft certification process, which determines whether planes can be sold and operated in a country [1]. - Trump claims Canada has illegally refused to certify Gulfstream jets, which he describes as technologically advanced [2]. - He asserts that Canada is effectively prohibiting the sale of Gulfstream products through the certification process [2]. Group 2: Proposed Tariffs and Impact - Trump announced that if the situation is not corrected, he will impose a 50% tariff on all aircraft sold into the U.S. from Canada [2]. - It remains unclear which specific aircraft, beyond Bombardier's Global Express line, would be affected by the proposed tariffs [5]. - As of early Friday, over 400 Canadian-made aircraft were operating to and from U.S. airports, with 150 Global Express aircraft registered in the U.S. [5]. Group 3: Regulatory Authority and Responses - The authority to decertify aircraft rests with the FAA, and it is uncertain how Trump would implement such a decertification [9]. - The Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have certified the Gulfstream G800 jet, while Transport Canada has not responded to requests for comment [8].