REPERCUSSIONS from the first round of an aerospace trade war are being closely monitored by GKN Aerospace on the Isle of Wight.
Northern Irish planemaker Bombardier has been threatened by the US commerce department with punitive tariffs after the company lost the first round of a dispute with Boeing.
The American manufacturer claimed Bombardier was ‘dumping’ cheap aircraft on the market — able to do so because of unfair state subsidies from the UK and Canada.
GKN produces components at East Cowes for both Bombardier and Boeing.
Bombardier is expected to appeal the ruling which was met with “bitter disappointment” by prime minister Theresa May.
At the Labour party conference after the announcement Island delegate Julian Critchley said: “I was proud to vote for a motion which committed the future Labour Government to challenging this action and protecting British manufacturing and exporting interests. 
“It’s the Labour Party which will act to protect Island workers while Theresa May holds Donald Trump’s hand while he attacks British interests.
“This has potential knock-on effects for the Island because of GKN’s connections with Bombardier and is a wake-up call for our other companies reliant on trade with the US.”