Cantwell Statement on World Trade Organization's Ruling on Airbus Subsidies
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement after news accounts reported that the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued an interim ruling that European countries provided Airbus with illegal subsidies:
“When finalized, this long-awaited ruling will help restore true competition in the commercial aviation market, and I applaud the WTO's decision that government subsidies of Airbus are illegal.
“This case sets an important precedent that must be respected by all countries with an emerging commercial aircraft industry.
“Boeing makes a competitive product but the market was being distorted by subsidies to Airbus. Now, with this ruling, the best product stands a better chance of winning.However, it’s been reported in the press that countries like France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany have been considering $4.6 billion in new subsidies for the A350. I strongly urge the Europeans to listen to the WTO and reverse course.
“U.S. companies like Boeing can compete and win on in the global marketplace as long as everybody plays by the rules and the playing field is level.It is especially important in these times of economic uncertainty for all countries to leave up to the commitments that they made in international trade agreements.This is important for the U.S. trade agenda that people will have to play by the rules.
“This is a great day for Boeing and for Washington state.US workers won today.Thanks to the hard work of the USTR on this five year case, the home team won.”
