Editorial Board
Don’t Escalate the Airbus-Boeing Dispute
The U.S. can claim victory at the WTO in this bitter saga. But Trump must show restraint on tariffs.
Outlook is still cloudy.
Photographer: Balint Porneczi/BloombergThe world’s longest running and most expensive trade dispute looks set to end in a destructive shootout — that is, if the U.S. and European Union don’t show some sense.
On Wednesday, the World Trade Organization authorized the U.S. to proceed with tariffs on as much as $7.5 billion in European exports, likely including planes, aircraft parts and luxury goods. Unless President Donald Trump’s administration exercises some restraint in imposing these new duties, the two sides are headed for a costly escalation.