On Sunday 27 July, the Trump Administration announced a trade deal between the US and the EU, which has been reported as providing preferential duty-free treatment of civil aerospace goods.

General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) president and CEO, James Viola has issued the following statement regarding the deal: “We commend the Trump Administration and EU Commission officials for working together to support the civil aerospace supply chain and foster the health and growth of the aerospace industry. The global success of the general aviation manufacturing industry drives innovation, enhances safety and strengthens economic opportunity. This deal, along with the previously announced US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal, will help provide stability for the industry and drive competitiveness. We are grateful that the Trump Administration has acknowledged the value of a zero-tariff environment for civil aerospace with these trading partners and urge the Trump Administration to further support for the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft with other trading partners.”

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen notes that the 1979 Agreement on Civil Aircraft has had an undeniably positive impact on US leadership in global aerospace safety and innovation. The agreement led to a $104 billion US trade surplus in the aerospace industry, leading all other sectors in bolstering the nation's trade balance, while creating 1.8 million jobs.

“NBAA applauds the administration's decision to return to the zero-for-zero tariff agreement for aircraft and component products traded between the United States and the European Union,” Bolen says. “This decision restores a level playing field on trade, allowing for further innovation in aerospace, securing America's global aerospace safety leadership and growing the exceptional trade surplus the U.S. has enjoyed in the sector for decades.”

NBAA urges the administration to return to the zero-for-zero tariff policy with all other signatories to the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft.