US Probes Aircraft Imports for National Security Risks

The Trump administration has launched a Section 232 national security investigation into U.S. imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and parts, citing concerns about heavy reliance on specialized foreign suppliers, notably from Japan, the UK, and France. The Commerce Department is seeking public comments on the impact of foreign supply chains, government subsidies, and the risks if supplier nations take adversarial positions. In 2023, the U.S. imported $15.3 billion in aircraft parts, raising concerns about concentrated supply and potential supply chain vulnerabilities. Industry leaders warn that new tariffs could increase costs for companies like Boeing, RTX, and GE Aerospace, and threaten the aerospace sector's trade surplus and job creation. The probe could affect both commercial and defense aviation and may exacerbate ongoing disputes over aviation subsidies with other nations. The investigation reflects broader efforts by the administration to reassess trade agreements and bolster domestic production amid global tensions.