US keeps tariffs on Airbus, EU urged to react

The US government said on Wednesday (12 August) it would maintain 15% tariffs on Airbus aircraft and 25% tariffs on other European goods, despite moves by the EU to resolve a long-standing dispute over aircraft subsidies.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the EU had not taken actions necessary to come into compliance with World Trade Organization decisions, and Washington would initiate a new process to try to reach a long-term solution.

Lighthizer’s office said it would modify its list of $7.5 billion (around €6.3 billion) of affected European products to remove certain goods from Greece and Britain, adding an equivalent amount of goods from Germany and France.

Airbus reacted by saying it regretted a US decision to keep in place the levies on their aircraft despite the latest EU measures taken to comply with WTO rulings, and said it expected the institution to defend European interests.

“Airbus profoundly regrets that, despite Europe’s recent actions to achieve full compliance, USTR (US Trade Representative) has decided to maintain tariffs on Airbus aircraft -especially at a time when aviation and other sectors are going through an unprecedented crisis,” Airbus spokesman Clay McConnell said in a statement.

“Airbus trusts that Europe will respond appropriately to defend its interests and the interests of all the European companies and sectors, including Airbus, targeted by these tariffs,” McConnell added.


The author: Michel DEURINCK

Michel Deurinck, born in Brussels in 1950, started his career in the Belgian civil service, dedicating over 30 years to public service. Upon retirement, he pursued his passion for journalism. Transitioning into this new field, he quickly gained recognition for his insightful reporting on politics and culture. Deurinck's balanced and thoughtful approach to journalism has made him a respected figure in Belgian media.

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