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U.S. won't immediately put tariffs on aircraft, jet parts
Trump instead is directing the administration to negotiate with trading partners to adjust imports
A Boeing 777-200 aircraft engine cowling and a General Electric engine nozzle at a Haeco hangar in Hong Kong. (Paul Yeung/Bloomberg)
Key Takeaways:
- The United States said it will not immediately impose tariffs on commercial aircraft, jet engines and parts after a Section 232 investigation ordered by President Donald Trump.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick found such imports posed a national security threat, citing concerns over foreign subsidies, predatory practices and supply chain control.
- Trump directed agencies to negotiate with trading partners, warning tariffs or other actions could follow within 180 days if agreements are not reached or prove ineffective.
The U.S. will not immediately impose tariffs on commercial aircraft, jet engines and parts following an investigation, with President Donald Trump instead directing the administration to negotiate with trading partners to adjust imports of those products.
READ MORE: Forced-labor hearing paves way for more Trump tariffs
Trump on July 9 signed a proclamation ordering the U.S. Trade Representative and the Commerce Department to begin those negotiations. The move followed a report from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick finding that imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines and associated parts presented a national security threat.
The inquiry’s conclusion leaves the door open to future duties if the U.S. doesn’t reach an agreement with trading partners to address that issue. Trump “may also take other actions” deemed necessary to eliminate the threat, including if relevant agreements are not entered within 180 days or are “ineffective.,” according to a White House fact sheet on the proclamation.
The Commerce Department began the investigation in May 2025 under Section 232 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows investigations into whether foreign imports pose a national security threat to the U.S.
The original probe requested stakeholder comments on “the impact of foreign government subsidies” and “predatory trade practices” that impacted the competitiveness of the industry. It also sought comments on the potential for foreign industries to weaponize their control over commercial aircraft and jet supplies.
Along with commercial aircraft and parts, the U.S. has investigated roughly a dozen other sectors including steel, semiconductors and critical minerals.
