A US aviation coalition is appealing to the Trump administration for an aerospace exception from any future tariffs over concerns for supply chains which rely on global supplies.
In a letter dated March 12, 2025, the 15-member strong coalition, which includes Airlines for America, and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), wrote to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to put forward its case.
The coalition is urging the Trump administration to work with those within the aviation sector to “minimize disruptions” in the industry’s supply chain.
“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 coalition wrote.
The coalition said that given the “reality” of aviation supply chain it is “essential that both government and industry work together”.
The coalition added that disruptions to the aviation supply chain in many cases “cannot be easily or quickly addressed”.
“We believe such dialogue and analysis will benefit the competitiveness of the U.S. aviation manufacturing and maintenance sectors and will be critical as the industry continues to innovate and contribute positively to the U.S. balance of trade,” the coalition concluded.
The coalition also requested to meet with the Trump administration to discuss the current state of the aviation sector and look at ways to make it more resilient moving forward.
On February 10, 2025, the US announced that it would impose 25% tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum and derivative products.
Starting on April 1, 2025, the European Union (EU) will introduce countermeasures on US goods exports worth up to €26 billion ($28 billion), which the EU says, “matches the economic scope of the US tariffs”.
President Donald Trump has also introduced 25% tariffs on other goods from Canada and Mexico, both of which are hitting back against the US with their own tariffs.
Goods (worth over $800) moving from China into the US are now hit with a 20% tariff. China has responded with retaliatory tariffs.
Read the full letter.
Stakeholders signing the letter to the Trump administration include:
Aeronautical Repair Station Association
Aircraft Electronics Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Air Traffic Control Association
Cargo Airline Association
Experimental Aircraft Association
General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association
National Agricultural Aviation Association
National Air Carrier Association
National Air Transport Association
National Business Aviation Association
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists
Vertical Aviation International
