Importing a private aircraft can be a smart way to deal with supply chain issues and get the jet you’ve always wanted. However, today’s tariff landscape is challenging, and sometimes, the final price tag is much higher than buyers expected.
We’ll explain what tariffs are, how they can impact your price, and how you can make the right decision for your business and your fleet.
Why Tariffs Matter for Buyers
Tariffs are fees imposed when something is imported. As the Tax Foundation points out, tariffs are paid by the buyer, not the country that made the item. If you purchase an aircraft that must be imported, you must pay the associated tariffs.
Tariffs were once a known expense. Rates rarely changed, and often, they were kept low to encourage free trade. In 2025, much changed.
U.S. tariff policy has shifted frequently, with tariffs on countries like China fluctuating between 10% and 145% with little notice and few guardrails. An aircraft you purchase one day could cost thousands more (or less) on a different day due to tariffs alone.
Tax policies have changed as well. The One Big Beautiful Bill allows for 100% depreciation on business assets like aircraft. That means the price you pay for your aircraft, including all associated tariffs, are deductible in that same year.
Buying a jet at a high tariff rate could be catastrophic for your cash flow, but it could also significantly lower your taxable income. For some, that could be a perk and not a flaw.
The sticker price is only part of the total cost of an aircraft. Global trade policies have a huge impact, and can make private aircraft cost millions more. It’s important to understand the current tariff landscape to make a good decision.
Hypothetical Example
An example could help to make the risks and potential benefits easier to understand. Consider an American buyer purchasing a new Bombardier Global 7500 manufactured in Canada. The base purchase price is $75,000,000, but it’s subject to a 25% tariff rate.
When the sale is final and the jet is imported, the buyer is responsible for the $18,750,000, bringing the total acquisition cost to $93,750,000. The buyer may also have sales taxes and fees to cover.
Market & Timing Implications
Tariffs have changed incredibly quickly during 2025. For example, China is subject to a 15% reciprocal tariff implemented in August of 2025, but a potential reciprocal tariff of 34% has been proposed but not yet implemented at the time of this writing.
Similarly, the European Union has a reciprocal tariff that varies between zero and 15% with complex exceptions. A proposed but not yet implemented tariff on steel could further rock the market.
When it’s time to sell, unpredictability can lead to deal delays, as potential buyers hope the numbers will shift in their direction. Buyers can also struggle with financing.
If you’re hoping to buy now and sell soon, tariffs could derail your plans for profit. In some cases, investors are buying a dream aircraft now and keeping it for longer, so these concerns aren’t as acute.
Considerations When Buying Internationally
If you have your heart set on an aircraft that must be imported, it’s crucial to work with an informed partner.
Aircraft brokers should understand the current tariff landscape and have their fingers on the pulse of trade negotiation conversations. Companies like Element Aviation can help you understand when it’s smart to buy and when it’s wiser to wait.
A private aircraft transaction is a complex intersection of international law, specialized finance, technical maintenance history, and volatile market trends. It is not a matter for a generalist attorney or broker. Partnering with a specialized aviation advisory firm is essential because we navigate the non-public markets, secure off-market inventory, and ensure every detail—from pre-buy inspection to regulatory compliance—is handled with the precision this high-value asset demands.
How We Can Help
At Element Aviation, we can help you buy or sell an aircraft, no matter where you’re located. Our global network allows us to find the best deal possible, so you can meet your financial goals. Just contact us to get started, and we’ll guide you through the entire process.
Fact Checked & Reviewed By:
Kevin White worked as an executive sales director for a leading aircraft acquisitions company for many years. There, he developed an intuitive understanding of what elite aircraft buyers and sellers expect. He also developed close ties with some of the world’s most prominent aircraft brokers. His extensive knowledge of the market ensures smooth aircraft transactions.
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Last modified 22 Dec 2025