Arlington, VA – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has submitted comments regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation into imports of commercial aircraft and jet engines. This move underscores the significant role of the aerospace industry in the United States' economy, national security, and its position in global trade.
Dak Hardwick, AIA’s Vice President of International Affairs, stated, “No other manufacturing industry holistically aligns with the Trump Administration’s vision for a domestic production economy.” He emphasized that the aerospace sector creates high-wage jobs nationwide, leads in global exports through technological advancements, and is crucial to U.S. economic and national security.
The association highlighted findings from a recent study conducted with PwC. The study showed that the aerospace industry supports over 100,000 companies and 2.2 million workers across the country. In 2023 alone, commercial aerospace contributed $545.2 billion in output and added $284.1 billion to GDP. Notably, it is the only U.S. manufacturing industry with a positive trade balance for more than seven decades.
AIA is calling on the Administration to use this investigation as a chance to expand the American aviation sector by tackling tariff and non-tariff barriers within Section 232's scope. Suggested actions include securing preferential terms in trade deals, encouraging foreign investments and joint ventures, as well as streamlining certification processes and supporting capital access for new suppliers. According to AIA, these measures are essential for maintaining competitiveness, resilience, and innovation in civil aviation manufacturing globally.
The full comments from AIA to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick can be accessed online.
