The US held off from a threatened tariff hike on EU products regarding the 16-year Airbus subsidies dispute, and signal its willingness to go back to negotiation table. The amount of products subject to the tariffs are kept unchanged at USD 7.5B, with 15% rate for aircraft and 25% on for other products.
“The EU and member states have not taken the actions necessary to come into compliance with WTO decisions,” Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer stated. “The United States, however, is committed to obtaining a long-term resolution to this dispute. Accordingly, the United States will begin a new process with the EU in an effort to reach an agreement that will remedy the conduct that harmed the U.S. aviation industry and workers and will ensure a level playing field for U.S. companies. ”
“The Commission acknowledges the decision of the U.S. not to exacerbate the ongoing aircraft dispute by increasing tariffs on European products,” an EU official said in response. “The EU believes that both sides should now build on this decision and intensify their efforts to find a negotiated solution to the ongoing trade irritants.”
