BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
1.
In the last 90 days, the Secretary of Commerce submitted a report to me regarding an investigation into how imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and their parts affect U.S. national security, as per section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, amended as 19 U.S.C. 1862. The Secretary concluded that these imports are entering the U.S. in such large quantities and conditions that they pose a threat to national security.
2.
The Secretary highlighted that these imports are crucial to U.S. national security and the economy. They are vital for sectors such as defense, cargo, transportation, and tourism. The commercial aircraft manufacturing base supports national defense and significantly contributes to the U.S. economy and job market.
3.
The U.S. Government utilizes large commercial aircraft and military variants for military operations, emergency responses, official travel, and transporting cargo and troops to achieve national security goals. Commercial carriers aid national defense by providing air transport and support services to the Department of War, including various Service Component Commands. Additionally, the manufacturing base supplies dual-use products and defense-specific items, along with essential maintenance and repair services.
4.
The Secretary identified challenges facing the U.S. aircraft industry in meeting economic and national security needs. These challenges stem from foreign practices, dependence on imports, and insufficient domestic investment incentives.
5.
Over the years, foreign practices have harmed the U.S. commercial aircraft manufacturing industry, resulting in underutilized domestic capacity, workforce decline, industry consolidation, and rising production costs. These issues have led to high production costs and delays, affecting the industry’s ability to meet national security requirements.
6.
The Secretary expressed concerns about the industry’s reliance on foreign supply chains, citing risks from imported parts due to quality control issues and counterfeiting. These issues have led to aircraft removals, fuselage corrosion, and compromised engines, impacting both commercial and defense fleets. Such reliance makes the aerospace supply chain vulnerable to external disruptions and manipulation.
7.
Without intervention, foreign imports and competition will continue to harm the U.S. aircraft industry, discouraging domestic investment in manufacturing and workforce expansion. This situation reduces incentives for domestic production, leads to outsourcing, and lowers the demand for U.S. labor. Competitive pressure keeps wages stagnant, making jobs less attractive compared to other sectors. This affects defense industries reliant on a strong domestic aerospace industry, leading to higher costs and potential procurement backlogs.
8.
The current import levels and conditions of these products threaten U.S. national security.
9.
The Secretary proposed further discussions and negotiations with foreign jurisdictions to address the national security threat posed by these imports. It was also recommended that no immediate tariffs be imposed under section 232.
10.
After reviewing the Secretary’s report and considering relevant factors, I agree with the findings that these imports threaten U.S. national security. I believe it is necessary to negotiate with trading partners to adjust these imports to prevent them from impairing national security.
11.
I direct the Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative to pursue or continue negotiations with appropriate foreign partners to address this threat and provide updates within 180 days. This action is essential given current circumstances and future U.S. needs. Depending on the negotiation outcomes, alternative measures may be considered.
12.
Section 232 empowers the President to adjust imports if they threaten national security, including through negotiations or other actions like tariffs. If negotiations under section 232 are ineffective, the President may take additional steps to ensure imports do not impair national security, even if an agreement is not reached within 180 days.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 232, and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, do hereby proclaim as follows:
(1)
The Secretary and the Trade Representative, along with any suitable senior executive branch officials, shall jointly pursue negotiations to address the national security threat posed by imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and their parts.
(2)
The Secretary and the Trade Representative, consulting with other senior executive branch officials as needed, shall periodically update me on the negotiations’ status. An update shall be given within 180 days of this proclamation.
(3)
The Secretary shall continue monitoring these imports and, in consultation with senior executive branch officials, review their impact on national security. The Secretary shall inform me of any circumstances that might require further presidential action under section 232.
(4)
Any conflicting provisions in previous proclamations and Executive Orders are superseded. If any part of this proclamation is deemed invalid, the rest remains unaffected.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.
DONALD J. TRUMP
