US imposes duties on Bombardier jets in blow to C Series

The U. imposed duties on Bombardier’s marquee jetliner after Boeing complained that the Canadian planemaker received unfair subsidies. Exporters of 100- to 150-seat Canadian aircraft received subsidies worth 219.63 percent, the Commerce Department said Tuesday in Washington. US customs officials will begin collecting preliminary duties to offset the government assistance, a move that will affect Bombardier’s C Series jets. The decision marks the latest step in a trade dispute between Boeing and Bombardier that has roiled relations between the US and Canada. PM Justin Trudeau said the Canadian government won’t buy Boeing military jets unless the company drops its case against Bombardier. The spat comes as the US tries to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. The trade penalties could be reversed by the US International Trade Commission if the trade tribunal determines that Boeing wasn’t injured by Bombardier’s jet program. That decision is expected to be made next year, when the Canadian manufacturer is scheduled to deliver the first C Series planes to Delta. Bombardier spent $6 billion to develop the single-aisle aircraft.<br/>