Camilla Jessen
Brussels prepares a €100 billion retaliation package.
The European Union is considering imposing tariffs on Boeing aircraft as a response to ongoing U.S. trade restrictions, according to reports by Digi24 and the Financial Times cited by Agerpres.
Negotiations have stalled with Washington over long-standing duties on European exports.
The European Commission, which manages EU trade policy, is reportedly drafting a proposal to add civil aircraft to a €100 billion list of U.S. imports that could face retaliatory tariffs.
The proposal will need approval from a majority of member states before any action is taken.
According to sources cited by the FT, the tariffs would only be implemented if talks with the U.S. fail to yield sufficient progress—particularly regarding the rollback of American duties on EU goods.
A Familiar Battle Over Trade
The threat of new tariffs comes at a delicate moment in EU-U.S. trade relations. Currently, the EU is subject to:
- 25% U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars
- 10% tariffs on most other goods, including aircraft
- A potential increase to 20% after a 90-day reprieve expires on July 8, per U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration
While European carriers have hundreds of Boeing aircraft on order, potential tariffs could dramatically increase the final cost of these planes, which are typically paid for upon delivery.
Airbus vs. Boeing—Again
This latest development revives tensions reminiscent of the 2020–2021 tariff dispute between the U.S. and EU, largely centered on subsidies for Boeing and Airbus.
However, this time around, both European and American aerospace companies are reportedly united in opposing any new tariffs, urging leaders to end trade barriers entirely.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has made clear that the bloc will not be pressured into accepting what he called an “unfair deal” with the United States.
“The EU must ensure a level playing field,” sources say—particularly as Airbus and Boeing continue to compete fiercely for global market share.