Trump holds off aircraft tariffs, orders trade talks instead

US President Donald Trump has opted not to immediately impose tariffs on commercial aircraft, jet engines and related parts, instead directing his administration to begin negotiations with trading partners following a national security investigation, according to US media.

Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday (July 9) instructing the Office of the US Trade Representative and the Commerce Department to launch talks aimed at adjusting imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines and associated parts.

The decision followed a report by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, which concluded that imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines and related components posed a threat to US national security.

The proclamation leaves open the possibility of future tariffs if the United States fails to reach agreements with its trading partners. According to a White House fact sheet, Trump “may also take other actions” deemed necessary to eliminate the threat, including if relevant agreements are not entered within 180 days or are “ineffective.”

The Commerce Department launched the investigation in May 2025 under Section 232 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorises inquiries into whether imports threaten US national security.

As part of the investigation, the department sought public comments on “the impact of foreign government subsidies” and “predatory trade practices” affecting the competitiveness of the US aerospace industry. It also examined the potential for foreign industries to use their control over commercial aircraft and jet supplies as leverage.

The aircraft investigation is one of roughly a dozen Section 232 probes launched by the United States, alongside reviews covering sectors such as steel, semiconductors and critical minerals.

By Aghakazim Guliyev