The aviation industry appears to be among the big winners as the United States (US) and European Union agreed a framework trade deal on tariffs between the two economic powerhouses.
US President Donald Trump and the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in Scotland on July 27, 2025, where a 15% tariff on European goods entering the US was agreed.
However, in a statement confirming the agreement, the EU said that there would be “zero-for-zero tariffs on a number of strategic products” including all aircraft and component parts.
Certain chemicals, certain generics, semiconductor equipment, certain agricultural products, natural resources and critical raw materials were also spared from tariffs.
Airlines for America, which represents the largest carriers in the US, praised the deal struck between the US and EU leaders.
Today, President Trump secured a HUGE, POWERFUL TRADE DEAL between the U.S. and EU 🇺🇸
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 28, 2025
The EU will:
💰 Invest $600 Billion in U.S.
⚡️ Purchase $750 Billion in American Energy
💸 Open Markets to U.S. pic.twitter.com/PWNtlhpH5b
“We are grateful that both the Trump Administration and the leadership of the European Commission understand the critical role aviation plays in facilitating global commerce and connectivity. As a result, they have agreed to zero-for-zero tariffs for all aircraft and component parts,” said a spokesperson for the aviation body.
They added: “The zero-for-zero tariff regime will grow jobs, strengthen our economic security and provide a framework for U.S. leadership in manufacturing and safety.”
It had long been hoped that an aviation exemption from tariffs between the EU and US would be included in the deal due to the global nature of the industry.
“Today with this deal, we are creating more predictability for our businesses. In these turbulent times, this is necessary for our companies to be able to plan and invest. We are ensuring immediate tariff relief. This will have a clear impact on the bottom lines of our companies,” said President von der Leyen.
President Trump had threatened the EU with a 30% tariff but at his Turnberry golf course on July 27, 2025, he described the new agreement as a “good deal for everybody”.
The EU confirmed that the framework deal would still involve a small amount of work before being officially signed off.