A Definitive Truce: EU and U.S. Agree to "Zero Tariffs" for Aerospace Sector, Ending Boeing-Airbus Dispute
The new trade deal between the European Union and the U.S. eliminates all tariffs on aircraft and their components, ending the historic dispute between Boeing and Airbus.
In a move that redefines the industry's trade relations, the European Union (EU) and the United States have agreed to eliminate tariffs for the aerospace industry. The measure, part of a broader trade agreement announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, effectively ends the nearly two-decade-long dispute between Boeing and Airbus at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
According to the official statement, the pact establishes a "zero-for-zero tariffs on all aircraft, component and parts" policy. This provision is the cornerstone of the truce, as it dismantles the system of punitive tariffs that both powers imposed on each other over subsidies to their respective manufacturers.
The end of this long-standing "trade war" provides invaluable stability and predictability for an industry characterized by its long-term production cycles. The WTO conflict not only affected finished aircraft but also burdened a complex and deeply integrated transatlantic supply chain.
Key Aspects of the EU-U.S. Aviation Deal
What is the main measure? The complete elimination ("zero-for-zero") of tariffs on all aircraft and their components.
What is the context? It ends the nearly 20-year WTO dispute over subsidies to Boeing and Airbus.
Who benefits? Boeing, Airbus, and their entire global supply chain, which includes companies like GE, Safran, Collins Aerospace, and Spirit AeroSystems.
What other benefits are included? A reduction in tariffs on steel and aluminum, essential raw materials for aircraft manufacturing.
Impact: Reduces production costs, simplifies logistics, and increases predictability for investment in the sector.
Critical components such as engines manufactured by CFM International (a joint venture of U.S.-based GE Aerospace and France's Safran), avionics, interiors, and aerostructures constantly cross the Atlantic. The elimination of tariffs simplifies these operations and reduces direct costs for both aviation giants.
Furthermore, the agreement includes a tariff reduction on steel and aluminum. This measure represents additional relief on raw material costs, which are fundamental in the construction of modern aircraft that rely on lightweight and durable alloys.
The decision was hailed as a fundamental step toward stabilizing trade between the world's two largest economic blocs. For airlines, the industry's end customers, a more stable production environment with lower costs could, in the long run, positively influence negotiations for the acquisition of new fleets.
Para comentar, debés estar registradoPor favor, iniciá sesión