It is being widely reported today that British Prime Minister, Theresa May, raised concerns with U.S. President Donald Trump, on a call this month to over Boeing’s ongoing case against Bombardier. Boeing filed a claim against Bombardier with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission in April that claims the US manufacturer had been threatened with material injury by the below-cost sale of aircraft by Bombardier to Delta Airlines. Bombardier has continued to deny the charges. The UK has been lobbying for the US to drop the claim since Bombardier has a large manufacturing facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland that may be forced to close if the US determines the Canadian manufacturer is guilty of dumping, which could incur punitive damages and export fees.
“Ministers across government have engaged swiftly and extensively with Boeing, Bombardier, the U.S. and Canadian governments. Our priority is to encourage Boeing to drop its case and seek a negotiated settlement with Bombardier,” a government spokesman said in a statement. “This is a commercial matter but the UK government is working tirelessly to safeguard Bombardier’s operations and its highly skilled workers in Belfast.”
US media reports that Boeing is continuing with the claim, while Bombardier continues to defend its actions.