Decision

Trade dispute DS316: complaint by the US regarding measures affecting trade in large civil aircraft

Published 18 February 2022

Summary

Complaint by: United States

Complaint against: European Communities; France; Germany; Spain; United Kingdom

Third Parties: Australia; Brazil; Canada; China; Japan; Republic of Korea

On 6 October 2004, the United States initiated a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute against the governments of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain, and the European Communities (EC). The US considered that the support the European Communities and the member states provided to certain aircraft manufacturers was not consistent with WTO rules.

The WTO website has more information on trade dispute DS316.

Current situation

On 14 October 2019, the Dispute Settlement Body authorised the US to suspend certain WTO commitments it has made to the European Communities.

On 17 June 2021, the UK and US reached an understanding which means tariffs related to these dispute were suspended for 5 years. This arrangement also established a framework for continued cooperation between the UK and US in this area.

Read the joint US-UK statement on a cooperative framework for large civil aircraft.