MISSISSAUGA — U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to block Bombardier aircraft sales in the United States, raising fresh concerns about the Canadian aerospace giant’s expanding operations and hundreds of jobs in Mississauga.
The threat comes just days after Bombardier announced plans to acquire MHI Canada Aerospace’s 270,000-square-foot Mississauga operation near Pearson International Airport, bringing approximately 750 employees into its workforce.
Trump said Bombardier should manufacture more aircraft in the United States if it wants continued access to the American market. The U.S. is particularly important to Bombardier, accounting for roughly half of its customer base.
Bombardier responded by emphasizing its significant American presence, saying it supports tens of thousands of U.S. jobs and relies heavily on American-made engines, avionics and other aircraft components. The company employs about 3,500 people directly in the United States.
The potential impact on Mississauga remains unclear. Bombardier’s newly acquired operation produces wings, centre-fuselage sections and flight-control components, while its existing Global Manufacturing Centre near Pearson assembles the Global 7500 and Global 8000 business jets.
Trump did not explain how a ban would be implemented. Aerospace experts have also questioned how easily restrictions could be imposed because Bombardier aircraft meet U.S. aviation standards and the company’s supply chain is deeply integrated with the American aerospace industry.
The latest threat nevertheless creates uncertainty for Bombardier’s Canadian expansion and the future of hundreds of aerospace jobs in Mississauga.