The US has increased import tariffs on European aircraft from 10% to 15% in a new hike aimed primarily at Airbus.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruled in October last year that the US was clear to impose tariffs on Airbus planes after it was found that the EU had illegally subsidised the airframer.
However, the WTO is expected to give the EU the go-ahead to introduce tariffs on US aircraft after the US was found to be subsidising Boeing.
In a statement, Airbus said it “deeply regrets” the new tariffs and accused the US of escalating trade tensions and “creating more instability for US airlines… already suffering from a shortage of aircraft”.
Boeing’s 737 Max has been grounded since March following two fatal crashes, leaving a number of US airlines without a large portion of their fleets.
Airbus added that it hopes the US will change it decision when the WTO authorises the EU to impose its own tariffs on Boeing aircraft later this year.
Last week Airbus reported that deliveries of the A320neo aircraft –the direct competitor to Boeing’s 737 Max rose by 43 percent YoY to 551 in 2019.
In comparison, Boeing reported zero orders for new aircraft in January 2020.
Airbus plans to ramp up production of the A320 programme to more than 63 aircraft per month.
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