What Zero Tariffs on Aircraft and Parts Mean for Buyers and Sellers
On November 14, 2025, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced progress toward restoring zero-for-zero tariffs on aircraft and parts with the Republic of Korea and Switzerland. That change, once implemented, removes a costly friction point for cross-border transactions in business aviation. NBAA says both agreements represent a return to zero tariffs on aircraft and parts; timing details are still pending.
What changed—and why it matters
NBAA’s release frames these deals as a step back to the longstanding “zero-for-zero” approach under the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, which has historically supported U.S. leadership in aerospace. The association also notes that implementation dates have not yet been announced, so buyers and sellers should plan now but confirm execution before closing.
For Switzerland, the White House published a joint statement outlining a framework to negotiate a fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade agreement, aiming for significant progress—and possibly conclusion—by the first quarter of 2026. It is a framework, not yet a binding treaty, but it signals intent and scope.
For Korea, independent reporting and government summaries indicate that aircraft and certain aircraft parts will be removed from the additional U.S. tariff programs, aligning with the NBAA announcement that aircraft and parts are headed back to zero tariffs.
The real-world signal to the market
Trade clarity unlocks inventory and confidence. AIN reports the U.S. struck zero-tariff accords with Switzerland and Korea specific to aircraft and parts; Pilatus has already resumed U.S. deliveries after earlier tariff turbulence. That’s a practical marker for where the market is heading.
What buyers and sellers can expect
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Lower all-in import costs on eligible aircraft and parts once the measures take effect, improving pricing, liquidity, and deal velocity for transatlantic and trans-Pacific transactions. Expect broader model availability (including Swiss-built types) and more predictable MRO parts flows once zero tariffs are live. Always confirm applicability and effective dates at LOI/PSA stage.
Arcadia Jets’ take: how to position now
Use the window between policy announcement and enforcement to your advantage. Our brokerage team is aligning live deals, prebuys, and parts strategies to the policy path so you don’t overpay—or wait unnecessarily.
Action plan for current clients
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Reprice any active cross-border acquisition or sale where tariffs factored into the model; refresh comps and adjust asks accordingly.
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Expand shortlists to include aircraft newly attractive under zero tariffs (e.g., Swiss-built makes); revisit ferry and import timelines.
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Lock prebuy slots and escrow paths now; we’ll time closing with the effective dates to capture savings without delaying delivery.
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For operators, review parts procurement plans and pool agreements that assumed tariff premiums; update budgets and lead times.
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Keep compliance tight: we’ll verify the exact implementation status in your jurisdiction before funds move.
Why work with Arcadia Jets
This is where seasoned brokerage pays off. We track policy, pricing, and availability daily, and we bring that intelligence to your transaction. Our team coordinates legal, escrow, tax, and logistics so your acquisition or sale lands precisely when the tariff environment does.
Explore current opportunities on our Available Aircraft, see how we represent sellers on Aircraft Sales & Brokerage, or start a custom search through our Consulting team. If you’re evaluating options about acquiring an aircraft, contact us—we’ll map the exact effect on your mission and timing.
