Aviation Week's Check 6 Podcast Aviation And Trump's Tariffs, Round Two
Feb 27, 2026
Kevin Michaels, Managing Director at Aerodynamic Advisory and aerospace supply-chain consultant, discusses the impact of President Trump’s new tariffs on aerospace. He outlines remaining legal authorities for tariffs and who in the supply chain will feel the pain. The conversation covers European reactions, operational burdens from steel and aluminum rules, and why the story is far from over.
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Court Check Limits Presidential Tariff Power
- The Supreme Court ruled Trump's original IEPA-based tariffs unlawful, which increases legal constraints on presidential tariff authority.
- Michael Bruno explains Congress must explicitly authorize tariffs and other statutory sections like 232 or 301 now become the viable but more burdensome routes.
Temporary 15 Percent Tariff Route And Carve Outs
- The administration can still impose temporary 15% tariffs for 150 days under a balance-of-payments authority (Section 122), but carve-outs likely persist.
- Kevin Michaels notes this 122 action doesn't automatically reapply previous aviation tariffs and may leave exemptions intact for the EU, UK and others.
Some Tariff Authorities Are Untested And Risky
- Some statutory options are shaky or untested, such as Section 338 from the 1930s which targets unfair trading practices and has never been used.
- Kevin highlights 338's uncertain legal footing compared with more familiar tools like 232 and 301.