Arlington, Va. – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has released a new white paper detailing the benefits of the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft for the American aerospace industry. The agreement, signed by 33 countries, facilitates duty-free trade of civil aircraft, engines, flight simulators, and related parts, helping the U.S. maintain its position as the leading exporting manufacturing industry.
According to the white paper, the U.S. aerospace sector has achieved the highest trade balance among manufacturing sectors, reaching nearly $75 billion, and ranks second in exports, with figures exceeding $135 billion. Over 45 years, U.S. commercial aerospace exports have increased by more than 2,100 percent.
"American aerospace is the perfect example of a sector where America is dominant in large part because of balanced, reciprocal trade," stated AIA Vice President of International Affairs, Dak Hardwick. "The little-known Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft has unlocked enormous benefits for the American workers, the economy, and our ongoing safety and prosperity."
The document emphasizes the alignment of the aerospace industry with the Trump Administration’s vision for a “production economy,” focusing on high-wage job creation, innovation, and technological leadership, as well as its importance to national security.
The white paper also notes that the agreement aids in aviation safety by ensuring foreign partners uphold the expected American safety standards.
