Smith Statement On WTO's Airbus Launch Aide Ruling

Statement

Smith Statement On WTO's Airbus Launch Aide Ruling

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement based on news reports that the World Trade Organization's interim ruling declared launch aid to Airbus an illegal subsidy:

"It is clear from reports today that the World Trade Organization's (WTO) interim ruling has concluded that European governments have illegally subsidized Airbus. In siding with U.S. officials they agree, rather than competing on a level playing field with privately-financed, U.S.-built aircraft, European governments have violated WTO rules by providing launch aid to develop Airbus planes.

"These illegal subsidies for Airbus planes have distorted the industry, shifting market share toward Europe and away from U.S. aircraft manufacturing jobs. As the U.S. and the world move toward economic recovery, it is vitally important to restore market balance for American workers.

"European governments and Airbus should cease all plans for future launch aid and end their practice of unfair competitive advantage. Boeing workers are among the best in the world and can compete directly in the aerospace industry but, in order to do so, we must ensure that our trading partners and international businesses abide by the WTO's rules."

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