The European Union is expected to announce new tariff counter-measures on Thursday targeting U.S. aerospace exports, including Boeing jets, in response to escalating trade tensions with Washington.
The move comes after the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs on European goods, including a 10% levy on Airbus aircraft.
Industry and diplomatic sources say this is the most serious threat of a transatlantic trade conflict in the $150 billion global aerospace market since 2021. According to the Financial Times, the EU plans to target roughly $100 billion in annual U.S. imports, a list that will now include civil aircraft—potentially raising costs for European carriers with large Boeing orders.
The tariff threat follows a wave of new U.S. trade actions introduced under President Donald Trump, including 25% tariffs on EU steel, aluminum, and autos, and reciprocal 10% tariffs on most other imports. The temporary 90-day pause on these tariffs is set to expire on July 8, adding urgency to ongoing talks.
Speaking in Singapore, European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic confirmed the EU will proceed with counter-measures if negotiations fail, calling for a “level playing field” in transatlantic aviation trade.
While the European Commission and Boeing have declined comment, industry leaders on both sides of the Atlantic have expressed concern. In a rare show of unity, Airbus and Boeing have jointly called for a return to duty-free trade in aerospace, underscoring that further escalation could hurt the entire sector.
“Only losers will emerge from a tariff war in aerospace,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, who urged a return to the 1979 Aircraft Trade Agreement, which previously shielded aircraft and parts from such trade measures.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg echoed that message in recent Congressional testimony, emphasizing the need for free trade to protect jobs and industry competitiveness.
Despite the shared stance from manufacturers, airlines are growing increasingly anxious. Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost carrier and one of Boeing’s biggest clients, has threatened to cancel hundreds of aircraft orders if U.S. tariffs result in higher costs. The airline is reportedly seeking contractual assurances from Boeing against such price hikes.
However, industry experts note that alternatives are limited. With Airbus production slots fully booked until the end of the decade and strict aerospace contract terms, carriers like Ryanair and Delta Air Lines—which has threatened to delay Airbus deliveries—may find little flexibility to alter long-term fleet plans.
As both sides weigh economic and political costs, the looming threat of aerospace tariff escalation is testing fragile cooperation in one of the world's most globally integrated industries. The coming days may prove pivotal for whether diplomacy or retaliation shapes the next phase of U.S.-EU trade relations.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
In 19 EU countries, the share of renewable energy sources in net electricity generation decreased in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the first quarter of 2024. The largest drops were recorded in Greece (-12.4%), Lithuania (-12.0%) and Slovakia (-10.6%).
European foreign ministers are set to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Geneva for urgent nuclear talks amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
In 19 EU countries, the share of renewable energy sources in net electricity generation decreased in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the first quarter of 2024. The largest drops were recorded in Greece (-12.4%), Lithuania (-12.0%) and Slovakia (-10.6%).
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China issued red alerts as extreme monsoon rain trigger flash floods across central and southern regions, threatening lives, and infrastructure.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
In 19 EU countries, the share of renewable energy sources in net electricity generation decreased in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the first quarter of 2024. The largest drops were recorded in Greece (-12.4%), Lithuania (-12.0%) and Slovakia (-10.6%).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment