ERA warns of US-EU trade tensions
The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has warned that escalating US–EU trade tensions risk severely undermining regional air connectivity across Europe. The warning follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a proposed 30% tariff on all EU imports, due to take effect from 1 August.
ERA is particularly concerned about the aviation sector’s exposure and its impact on the European economy and society, as aircraft and related components are expected to be among the key categories impacted by potential EU countermeasures. The proposed list of US goods subject to these measures is valued at €72 billion, highlighting the significant economic stakes involved.
While the EU has reiterated its preference for a negotiated solution and paused planned countermeasures affecting €21 billion in US goods as a show of good faith, the outlook remains uncertain. As ERA highlights, there are no winners in a trade standoff that threatens essential connectivity and economic stability.
This warning also comes as Europe’s top 12 domestic markets continue to operate with 1.5 million fewer flights than pre-pandemic levels. Despite a projected 7% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year, air connectivity in Europe still remains 9% below 2019 levels. Additional cost burdens will further limit recovery and threaten the future of regional connectivity.
“Regional airlines connect communities with few alternatives. If these tariffs go ahead, airlines will face higher costs that could lead to fare increases, reduced services or withdrawn routes,” said ERA Director General Montserrat Barriga. “This puts essential mobility, local economies and social cohesion at risk. Aviation is a global, co-operative industry. Trade barriers must not jeopardise access and resilience in Europe’s regions.”
ERA urges all policymakers and leaders to seek a constructive resolution and to exclude aviation items from any tariff measures, aviation being by definition a truly global industry built on co-operation and interoperability. As the European Commission and Member States engage in high-level discussions with the US, preserving aviation’s essential role in regional prosperity must remain a top priority.
