Arijan Meijer, CEO of Commercial Aviation at Embraer, said aviation should be excluded from U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs during an International Air Transport Association event [1].
These tariffs impact the primary raw materials used in aircraft construction. If exemptions are not granted, the resulting cost increases for manufacturers could be passed down to airlines, potentially slowing the growth of global flight networks.
Speaking at the IATA conference, Meijer said the economic pressure placed on the industry by trade barriers is a concern. He said the specific nature of aerospace manufacturing requires stable and affordable access to high-grade metals to remain competitive [1].
"It makes sense for aviation to be excluded," Meijer said [1].
The push for exemptions comes as Embraer manages its delivery pipeline. The company expects to deliver between 160 and 170 business jets in 2026 [2]. This represents a six percent increase over the 155 jets the company delivered in 2025 [2].
Industry leaders at the conference discussed how trade volatility affects long-term planning. Because aircraft production cycles span several years, sudden shifts in material costs can disrupt pricing and delivery schedules for new fleets [1].
Meijer's comments highlight a growing tension between national trade protections and the globalized supply chains of the aerospace sector. The company continues to project growth in its business jet segment despite these headwinds [2].
“"It makes sense for aviation to be excluded"”
The request for exemptions reflects the vulnerability of the aerospace industry to geopolitical trade disputes. Because aircraft manufacturers rely on specialized steel and aluminum, tariffs act as a direct tax on production. If the U.S. does not grant these exclusions, the increased overhead may force manufacturers to raise prices, which could dampen the projected six percent growth in business jet deliveries.
