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Aerospace, Global, News, Singapore

AIA Responds to Section 232 Investigation

  • 25 Jun 2025

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has submitted formal comments to the US Secretary of Commerce in response to the Section 232 investigation into the national security impact of imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and related parts. In the letter, the AIA underscored the strategic and economic importance of the US aerospace and defence (A&D) industry, cautioning that broad trade restrictions could jeopardise decades of industrial progress.

It noted that for over 70 years, the A&D sector has maintained a positive trade surplus—unique among US manufacturing industries— largely due to the success of civil aviation. It emphasised that the industry prioritises domestic production by highly skilled workers and employs over 2.2 million Americans.

The AIA recalled that the American aviation manufacturing industry was threatened by anti-competitive practices in the 1970s, prompting the creation of the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft. It argues that this ‘zero-for-zero’ trade framework has since supported a robust and secure supply chain.

AIA highlights that broad tariffs could disrupt complex supply chains, and harm suppliers. “Our industry is collaborative by design,” the statement noted, emphasising the importance of reciprocal trade relationships and reliable access to materials, technologies, and foreign investment. It also flagged that tariffs may reduce cash flow for small suppliers and limit their capital reinvestment for long-term planning.

Among the recommendations, AIA called for policies that preserve market access, streamline certification processes, and support capital investment in new domestic suppliers. It also stressed the need for continued investments in technologies such as propulsion and AI, as well as access to the global marketplace.

Finally, AIA urged the Bureau of Industry and Security to engage directly with industry to better understand global aviation trends and supply chains, and ensure any action taken does not compromise industry resilience.

Full comments are available on the AIA website.

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has represented the aircraft, space, and defence sectors for more than a century, serving as the industry’s leading voice. Through its advocacy, the association has played a vital role in shaping policies, highlighting the industry’s contributions, and strengthening its future.

Photo of a plane model and globe. Image: Monstera-Production, Pexels.

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