The Trump administration is now looking into how imported commercial jets, engines, and other aircraft parts might affect national security. This follows a federal notice released on Friday outlining the investigation.
The investigation by the Ministry of Commerce began on May 1st as indicated in the notice.
The department is requesting public feedback on several issues: the current and future demand for commercial aircraft and jet engines, how foreign supply chains affect U.S. needs, and the influence of foreign government subsidies and aggressive trade practices on the competitiveness of the aircraft and jet engine sectors.
This inquiry represents the latest application of Section 232 provisions from the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
This action also follows President Trump’s recent implementation of significant tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.
Last month, Delta Air Lines mentioned considering options to mitigate the effects of these tariffs when receiving jets from Airbus this year.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastien, stated, “We will not pay any customs duties on the aircraft delivery we take,” back in early April, adding, “We will postpone delivery if it incurs customs duties.”
The Ministry of Commerce is also exploring the impact of imported medium and heavy-duty trucks on national security.
GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp discussed his meeting with the president in April, where he advocated for reinstating tax-free options for the aerospace industry under the 1979 Civil Aircraft Agreement. Culp mentioned, “I argued that it was beneficial for the country,” and said the administration “understands” where the company stands.
This investigation occurs as the administration is negotiating trade agreements with foreign partners, having recently implemented a baseline 10% tariff on most foreign goods. The president also paused many of the 90-day mutual tariffs.
On Thursday, Trump announced that the U.S. has secured its first significant trade agreement with the UK since the tariffs were initiated. U.S. officials are scheduled to meet with Chinese representatives in Switzerland this Saturday.
China, a key U.S. trading partner and the world’s second-largest economy, has directed its airlines to halt jet deliveries from Boeing amid the ongoing trade conflict, facing an import tax of 145%, although the White House suggests this could be significantly reduced under future negotiations.
