Aviation Manufacturers Seek Exemption From Trump Tariffs

In a letter addressed to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the groups requested a meeting to discuss an exemption from the protective measures, which they argue are producing “unintended consequences” for the aviation industry.

Fifteen organizations signed the letter, including the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); National Air Transportation Association (NATA); National Business Aviation Association (NBAA); and Airlines for America, which represents some of the nation’s most prominent commercial and cargo airlines.

“The aviation supply chain involves tens of thousands of suppliers from all over the globe which provide parts, platforms, and systems that require safety approval for use and installation, all of which may not be easily replaced or substituted,” the groups wrote. “Given this reality, it is essential that both government and industry work together to minimize cost and availability disruptions in the aviation supply chain, which in many cases cannot be easily or quickly addressed.”

Since taking office in January, Trump has used executive orders to unilaterally enact sweeping tariffs—some of which have been rolled back—on U.S. adversaries and allies alike. In response, China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union (EU) have imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports, sparking a trade war.

Phillip Gulley, chief strategy officer and cofounder of the supply chain execution platform Cofactr, described the situation to FLYING as a “nightmare” for manufacturers. Eric Trappier, CEO and chairman of Dassault Aviation, characterized the EU tariffs as a “most concerning” geopolitical development.

In their letter, the organizations argued that aviation, unlike many U.S. industries, has a positive trade balance and is competitive worldwide. They explained that FAA bilateral safety agreements have helped advance aviation technology and allowed it to proliferate globally.

“The industry benefits from these arrangements, given its collective technical strength, history of innovation, global competitiveness, and proven economic record as a strong exporter,” the groups wrote.

Many of the letter’s signers were members of the Aerospace Supply Chain Resiliency (ASCR) task force convened last year by the DOT. In November, the task force’s industry representatives released a report detailing risks to U.S. aviation supply chains and how to mitigate them. Among its recommendations: “Remove all non-safety or security tariff barriers.”

“In aviation, key to furthering our leadership and advancement is a robust, resilient, and reliable

supply chain to support the leading trade and safety position of the United States,” the groups wrote.

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