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UK government threatens retaliation against Boeing in Bombardier tariff row - business live UK government threatens retaliation against Boeing in Bombardier tariff row - business live
(35 minutes later)
5.43pm BST
17:43
Here’s our full report on Wolfgang Schäuble’s departure from his role as German finance minister:
5.35pm BST
17:35
Here’s Foster’s tweet on her talks with Theresa May over Bombardier jobs:
Spoke with PM about next steps & the need to work together on this issue. Pleased she gave commitment to work with me to secure Belfast jobs https://t.co/rOw1VRo3Tn
5.23pm BST
17:23
Arlene Foster, the leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionists, has said UK prime minister Theresa May has given a commitment to work to secure jobs in Belfast following the Bombardier row.
The DUP of course have an important position in UK politics, given they are now propping up May’s government in Westminster.
DUP leader Arlene Foster says Prime Minister Theresa May has given her commitment to work to secure Belfast jobs in the Bombardier dispute
Updated
at 5.25pm BST
5.19pm BST
17:19
European markets edge higher
Donald Trump’s proposed US tax reforms have given some support to markets, but investors remain to be fully convinced the US president will be able to pass these latest plans given his legislative difficulties so far in his term.
Joshua Mahony, market analyst at IG, said:
While the headlines are sure to focus on the tax cuts for rich individuals, the market focus will no doubt centre on the planned corporate tax cut which has the potential to sharply impact profitability throughout the market. With a hawkish Yellen and the prospect of a US economic boom, it comes as no surprise that the dollar has been a big outperformer of late.
While the prospect of lower taxes promise a bounty for stocks, it is worth noting that Trump has yet to deliver on any major policies given the constant rebuttals from the Republican dominated Congress. There is a good chance that these tax reforms are going to be as difficult to pass at the health reforms, with issues such as the controversial border adjustment tax likely to provide significant hurdles along the way.
There is also some notable caution thanks to the continuing concerns about the tensions between the US and North Korea. Even so, European markets managed to end the day in positive territory. The final scores showed:
The FTSE 100 finished 27.77 points or 0.38% higher at 7313.51
Germany’s Dax rose 0.41% to 12,657.41
France’s Cac closed up 0.25% at 5281.96
Italy’s FTSE MIB gained 0.85% to 22,622.19
Spain’s Ibex ended 1.76% ahead at 10,368.9
But in Greece, the Athens market dipped 0.5% to 736.64
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is currently flat on the day.
4.37pm BST4.37pm BST
16:3716:37
Over to German politics again, and if the Greek government is celebrating the prospect of Wolfgang Schäuble leaving as finance minister, the joy may be short-lived. ING says:Over to German politics again, and if the Greek government is celebrating the prospect of Wolfgang Schäuble leaving as finance minister, the joy may be short-lived. ING says:
If FDP takes finance ministry, Greece might eventually regret Schäuble's exit. Debt relief after bailout even trickier.If FDP takes finance ministry, Greece might eventually regret Schäuble's exit. Debt relief after bailout even trickier.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.39pm BSTat 4.39pm BST
4.32pm BST4.32pm BST
16:3216:32
UK defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon has ruled out cancelling existing orders with Boeing over the Bombardier dispute. But he pointedly added that there were other contracts which Boeing was expected to bid for in the future.UK defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon has ruled out cancelling existing orders with Boeing over the Bombardier dispute. But he pointedly added that there were other contracts which Boeing was expected to bid for in the future.
Earlier Fallon told reporters in Belfast that the UK’s current relationship with Boeing could be damaged by the row and even suggested the UK might decline to buy Boeing products in future.Earlier Fallon told reporters in Belfast that the UK’s current relationship with Boeing could be damaged by the row and even suggested the UK might decline to buy Boeing products in future.
Now he has told Reuters the UK would not cancel orders from Boeing for nine P-8 spy planes and 50 Apache helicopters but added: “We know they will be back at the door.”Now he has told Reuters the UK would not cancel orders from Boeing for nine P-8 spy planes and 50 Apache helicopters but added: “We know they will be back at the door.”
4.13pm BST4.13pm BST
16:1316:13
Here’s the statement from Boeing, courtesy of the Press Association:Here’s the statement from Boeing, courtesy of the Press Association:
We have heard and understand the concerns from the Prime Minister and the Government about Bombardier workers in Northern Ireland. Boeing is committed to the UK and values the partnership, which stretches back almost 80 years.We have heard and understand the concerns from the Prime Minister and the Government about Bombardier workers in Northern Ireland. Boeing is committed to the UK and values the partnership, which stretches back almost 80 years.
The company has doubled its direct employment in the UK since 2011 and tripled its spending with more than 250 companies in the UK supply chain over the same period, to 2.1 billion in 2016.The company has doubled its direct employment in the UK since 2011 and tripled its spending with more than 250 companies in the UK supply chain over the same period, to 2.1 billion in 2016.
More than 18,700 jobs in the UK are at Boeing or in the company’s tier one supply chain. Earlier this month Boeing broke ground for its first factory in Europe, in Sheffield.More than 18,700 jobs in the UK are at Boeing or in the company’s tier one supply chain. Earlier this month Boeing broke ground for its first factory in Europe, in Sheffield.
We are pleased to work with our partners, including the British Government, and provide such a vote of confidence in the UK.We are pleased to work with our partners, including the British Government, and provide such a vote of confidence in the UK.
Any claimed economic threat to Bombardier is due to the weakness of its product in the marketplace, which explains its desperate action that prompted the ITC case due to Bombardier’s decision to violate US trade rules.Any claimed economic threat to Bombardier is due to the weakness of its product in the marketplace, which explains its desperate action that prompted the ITC case due to Bombardier’s decision to violate US trade rules.
Boeing welcomes competition and Bombardier can sell its aircraft anywhere in the world. But sales must be made according to globally-accepted trade rules.Boeing welcomes competition and Bombardier can sell its aircraft anywhere in the world. But sales must be made according to globally-accepted trade rules.
We believe that global trade only works if everyone abides by the same rules of the road, and that’s a principle that ultimately creates the greatest value for Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and our respective aerospace industries.We believe that global trade only works if everyone abides by the same rules of the road, and that’s a principle that ultimately creates the greatest value for Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and our respective aerospace industries.
Boeing’s petition to the International Trade Commission seeks to restore a level playing field in the US single-aisle airplane market. Boeing had to take action as subsidised competition has hurt us now and will continue to hurt us for years to come.Boeing’s petition to the International Trade Commission seeks to restore a level playing field in the US single-aisle airplane market. Boeing had to take action as subsidised competition has hurt us now and will continue to hurt us for years to come.
3.46pm BST3.46pm BST
15:4615:46
US crude stocks fall but gasoline risesUS crude stocks fall but gasoline rises
With US refineries restarting after the closures caused by Hurricane Harvey, crude stocks fell by 1.8m barrels last week, compared to expectations of a 3.4m increase.With US refineries restarting after the closures caused by Hurricane Harvey, crude stocks fell by 1.8m barrels last week, compared to expectations of a 3.4m increase.
But gasoline stocks rose by 1.1m barrels, rather than the 750,000 fall expected.But gasoline stocks rose by 1.1m barrels, rather than the 750,000 fall expected.
3.37pm BST3.37pm BST
15:3715:37
More on the dollar. Connor Campbell, financial analyst at Spreadex, said:More on the dollar. Connor Campbell, financial analyst at Spreadex, said:
A better than expected durable goods order reading, and the prospect of Trump’s tax speech this evening, allowed the dollar to maintain its post-Yellen growth this Wednesday.A better than expected durable goods order reading, and the prospect of Trump’s tax speech this evening, allowed the dollar to maintain its post-Yellen growth this Wednesday.
Ahead of Trump’s appearance in Indiana details have been leaked about his proposed tax plan, the headlines being a lowering of the corporate rate from 35% to 20%, and a reduction to the top income tax rate from 39.6% to 35%.Ahead of Trump’s appearance in Indiana details have been leaked about his proposed tax plan, the headlines being a lowering of the corporate rate from 35% to 20%, and a reduction to the top income tax rate from 39.6% to 35%.
The Republicans want to push through these tax reforms in part to distract from their complete and utter failure at repealing Obamacare. They face myriad obstacles, however, not least a Democratic Party who’ll be keen to hammer home the point that the proposed changes favour the country’s wealthiest members, something that might not go down well with the President’s key base of support.The Republicans want to push through these tax reforms in part to distract from their complete and utter failure at repealing Obamacare. They face myriad obstacles, however, not least a Democratic Party who’ll be keen to hammer home the point that the proposed changes favour the country’s wealthiest members, something that might not go down well with the President’s key base of support.
Regardless, the prospect of progress on one of Trump’s market-wooing election promises has helped the dollar keep hold of most of its daily growth. The greenback was further shored up by a decent durable goods order figure, which came in at 1.7% against the 1.0% forecast and the miserable -6.8% the month previous.Regardless, the prospect of progress on one of Trump’s market-wooing election promises has helped the dollar keep hold of most of its daily growth. The greenback was further shored up by a decent durable goods order figure, which came in at 1.7% against the 1.0% forecast and the miserable -6.8% the month previous.
This all meant cable was pinned back at $1.34 after a 0.3% fall, with the euro suffering a 0.6% drop, taking the weary currency to a fresh, sub $1.175 one month nadir. Against the yen, which has been shaken in recent weeks by the North Korea situation, the dollar found even greater success, briefly hitting a 10 week peak of ¥113.This all meant cable was pinned back at $1.34 after a 0.3% fall, with the euro suffering a 0.6% drop, taking the weary currency to a fresh, sub $1.175 one month nadir. Against the yen, which has been shaken in recent weeks by the North Korea situation, the dollar found even greater success, briefly hitting a 10 week peak of ¥113.
3.34pm BST3.34pm BST
15:3415:34
Ryanair is back in the headlines with its latest cancellations, and affected passengers are already having to rethink their plans. Henry McDonald writes:Ryanair is back in the headlines with its latest cancellations, and affected passengers are already having to rethink their plans. Henry McDonald writes:
There is more airplane-related trouble for Northern Ireland on top of the Boeing versus Bomdardier battle and it comes in the shape of Rynair.There is more airplane-related trouble for Northern Ireland on top of the Boeing versus Bomdardier battle and it comes in the shape of Rynair.
The budget airline has announced on Wednesday afternoon that it is suspending its Belfast to Gatwick route from November to March. The Belfast-Gatwick route is Ryanair’s most popular airlink to Britain in Northern Ireland.The budget airline has announced on Wednesday afternoon that it is suspending its Belfast to Gatwick route from November to March. The Belfast-Gatwick route is Ryanair’s most popular airlink to Britain in Northern Ireland.
Among those affected by the four month cancellation of flights is former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon who tweeted today that her flight had been cancelled. A West Belfast choral society from the parish of St Agnes’s will have to change their 60th anniversary bash in London in November.Among those affected by the four month cancellation of flights is former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon who tweeted today that her flight had been cancelled. A West Belfast choral society from the parish of St Agnes’s will have to change their 60th anniversary bash in London in November.
And here is a list of the affected routes:And here is a list of the affected routes:
3.31pm BST3.31pm BST
15:3115:31
Back with Bombardier, and Ulster Unionist peer Lord Empey, vice chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Aerospace, has slammed Boeing for “bully boy tactics” and said the disputed subsidy was in fact a loan:Back with Bombardier, and Ulster Unionist peer Lord Empey, vice chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Aerospace, has slammed Boeing for “bully boy tactics” and said the disputed subsidy was in fact a loan:
The launch aid that was provided to Bombardier which came via Treasury is repayable on the basis of royalties from sales so it is effectively a loan. Throughout my time as DETI and DEL Minister I am content that all transactions with Bombardier were consistent with EU State Aid rules.The launch aid that was provided to Bombardier which came via Treasury is repayable on the basis of royalties from sales so it is effectively a loan. Throughout my time as DETI and DEL Minister I am content that all transactions with Bombardier were consistent with EU State Aid rules.
In the United States both cities and states give very substantial tax incentives and breaks to Boeing and other manufacturers. The majority of the C Series aircraft, by value, is actually produced in the US like the engine and avionics to name but two.In the United States both cities and states give very substantial tax incentives and breaks to Boeing and other manufacturers. The majority of the C Series aircraft, by value, is actually produced in the US like the engine and avionics to name but two.
What I see the core of this dispute being, given that Boeing did not even tender for the Delta Airlines contract, is an attempt by Boeing – and in Europe, Airbus – to suffocate Bombardier. It is bully boy tactics.What I see the core of this dispute being, given that Boeing did not even tender for the Delta Airlines contract, is an attempt by Boeing – and in Europe, Airbus – to suffocate Bombardier. It is bully boy tactics.
The manufacturing of the C Series sees a dramatic increase in efficiency and a reduction in fuel consumption that would mean when oil prices rise the plane becomes much more significant. It is not the current version of the plane that is the target – it is the long term project and what flows from it that has got Boeing in particular so aggravated.The manufacturing of the C Series sees a dramatic increase in efficiency and a reduction in fuel consumption that would mean when oil prices rise the plane becomes much more significant. It is not the current version of the plane that is the target – it is the long term project and what flows from it that has got Boeing in particular so aggravated.
3.14pm BST3.14pm BST
15:1415:14
In the markets, shares are edging higher but investors remain cautious thanks to the continuing tensions between North Korea and the US and ahead of Donald Trump’s latest tax proposals.In the markets, shares are edging higher but investors remain cautious thanks to the continuing tensions between North Korea and the US and ahead of Donald Trump’s latest tax proposals.
The dollar is moving higher following the hints from Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen that US interest rates could rise again as early as December. In turn that has helped lift European markets as a weaker pound and euro gives a boost to exporters.The dollar is moving higher following the hints from Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen that US interest rates could rise again as early as December. In turn that has helped lift European markets as a weaker pound and euro gives a boost to exporters.
The FTSE 100 is currently up 0.44%, Germany’s Dax is 0.57% higher and France’s Cac has climbed 0.34%.The FTSE 100 is currently up 0.44%, Germany’s Dax is 0.57% higher and France’s Cac has climbed 0.34%.
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is 0.13% better. Earlier US durable goods orders climbed by 1.7% in August, better than the 1% analysts had been expecting.On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is 0.13% better. Earlier US durable goods orders climbed by 1.7% in August, better than the 1% analysts had been expecting.
Lukman Otunuga, research analyst at FXTM, said:Lukman Otunuga, research analyst at FXTM, said:
A sense of anticipation can be felt across the financial markets ahead of President Trump’s tax proposal in Indiana later today. Although some information has been leaked that corporate tax may be lowered to 20% from 35%, market players are still likely to closely scrutinise the speech for further details on tax reforms. If legislation is passed this year, this should boost sentiment towards the US economy and support the Dollar further.A sense of anticipation can be felt across the financial markets ahead of President Trump’s tax proposal in Indiana later today. Although some information has been leaked that corporate tax may be lowered to 20% from 35%, market players are still likely to closely scrutinise the speech for further details on tax reforms. If legislation is passed this year, this should boost sentiment towards the US economy and support the Dollar further.
2.56pm BST2.56pm BST
14:5614:56
Back with the reports that Wolfgang Schäuble is stepping down as German finance minister:Back with the reports that Wolfgang Schäuble is stepping down as German finance minister:
Schaeuble as president of parliament means exit from finance ministry by 24 October, at the latest. Far before coalition talks will be over. https://t.co/GMr8dGZE8mSchaeuble as president of parliament means exit from finance ministry by 24 October, at the latest. Far before coalition talks will be over. https://t.co/GMr8dGZE8m
2.48pm BST
14:48
Over in Canada, the 219% tariff imposed by the US on Bombardier has been described as an attack on the country.
Quebec premier Philippe Couillard told reporters: “Quebec has been attacked. And Quebec will resist. And Quebec will unite. All together we will protect our workers. All together we will be proud of our engineering.”
He said Quebec had taken a $1bn stake in Bombardier’s C Series plane but had not received any government subsidies.
2.30pm BST
14:30
Boeing hits out at Bombardier's "weak product"
Back with the row over Bombardier, and Boeing said it understands the UK’s concerns but blames its rival’s “weak products.”
A spokesman told Reuters that the company was committed to the UK and it had heard and understood the concerns of the UK government over Bombardier’s workers in Northern Ireland. But it added that any claimed economic threat to Bombardier was due to the weakness of its product in the marketplace.
Earlier Boeing said in a statement:
Global trade works only if everyone plays by the rules that we’ve all endorsed to ensure fair competition, as adjudicated by independent national and international bodies. This dispute has nothing to do with limiting innovation or competition, which we welcome. Rather, it has everything to do with maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that aerospace companies abide by trade agreements.
The process that will continue to play out over the next several months at the International Trade Commission and Commerce is the longstanding, transparent course for examining and addressing situations where products are ‘dumped’ into the United States at below-cost prices for the purposes of gaining market share. We have full confidence that this will continue to be a fair and fact-based investigation, and we look forward to its conclusion early next year.
Updated
at 2.30pm BST
2.23pm BST
14:23
Schäuble to quit as German finance minister - reports
In the wake of the weekend’s general election in Germany, there are now reports that Wolfgang Schäuble will be stepping down as finance minister to become president of the country’s parliament.
Schäuble was first elected 45 years ago and is the longest-serving MP in the Bundestag. He has been finance minister since 2009, and was heavily involved in the bailout deals with Greece, albeit he had a fractious relationship with the struggling country. At one point he is believed to have said the heavily endebted Greece should leave the eurozone.
He's leaving the finance ministry, but Wolfgang Schaeuble will live on in the nightmares of southern European politicians
Updated
at 2.24pm BST
2.11pm BST
14:11
Lunchtime reading: UK tiptoes down Global Competitive league
A decade after the financial crisis, the global economy is still vulnerable to another crash.
So says the World Economic Forum today, in a new report into global competitiveness.
WEF warns that some banks are actually less sound than they were before the credit crunch struck in 2007, triggering the near-collapse of the financial system.
The Fund says:
After a long period of low growth following the global financial crisis, the world economy appears to have picked up speed. This is welcome news. Yet despite this gradual improvement, policymakers in many countries are concerned about the prospects for longterm economic development.
This is partly because the current expansion appears to be cyclical, bolstered by exceptionally low interest rates rather than by the fundamental drivers of structural growth. Productivity improvements appear to remain sluggish and are not expected to return to the levels experienced in past decades.
The report also showed that Britain has dropped to 8th, from 7th, in WEF’s list of competitiveness.
WEF says Britain’s ‘macroeconomic environment’ is a concern (that’s a reference to the UK’s growth, inflation and unemployment situation). It warns that this situation could deteriorate further after the UK has left the European Union.
The United Kingdom (UK) (8th) falls one spot. This drop does not yet reflect the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, which is likely to further undermine the country’s competitiveness.
Currently the country performs very well on technological readiness and the sophistication of its business sector (4th and 7th overall).
Its macroeconomic environment remains challenging (68th) and could become an important constraint in the future as the timeline for a reduction of the fiscal deficit is repeatedly pushed back.
The full report is online here.
Updated
at 2.12pm BST
1.44pm BST
13:44
Corbyn: May must act to save thousands of jobs
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has just told his party conference in Brighton that the tariffs imposed on Bombardier C Series planes threaten “thousands of jobs”.
Corbyn says that Theresa May must use Britain’s special relationship with America to protect the company’s workers in Northern Ireland.
Thousands of jobs are now at stake, thousands of jobs at risk
A Prime minister betting our eocnomic future on a deregulated trade deal with the US might want to take a moment to explain how 220% tarifsf are going to boost our exports from this country.
Corbyn says "1000s jobs now at stake" at Bombardier "as the PM gambles our future on a trade deal with US"
1.36pm BST
13:36
Are you one of the 400,00 people whose Ryanair flight has just been cancelled?
If so, Hannah Maundrell, Editor in Chief of money.co.uk, has some advice:
“It’s so disappointing for Ryanair passengers whose flights have been cancelled, even with more notice this time it’s still seriously frustrating. Ryanair are still in a mess here, but you shouldn’t be left out of pocket.
“If your flight has been cancelled, ask for a refund. You should get your money back within 7 days or given an alternative flight. This should also apply to connecting flights you miss as a result, as long as they were booked together.
“Aside from this, generally if your flight is delayed by over 3 hours you can claim compensation for the inconvenience. Cancellation amounts vary from €250 to €600 depending on your flight.
“If your other travel plans are impacted, look to your travel insurance for cover. This is when having a decent policy can really come in handy.”
1.24pm BST
13:24
Ryanair forced to cancel more flights
Wow! Breaking away from Bombardier.... budget airline Ryanair has just extended its flight cancellation programme, affecting an additional 400,000 passengers.
Ryanair is cancelling 34 routes until next year, in a fresh attempt to tackle its rostering crisis that has left it without enough pilots.
Those affected are being offered a refund or an alternative flight.
It’s a big u-turn; just last week, CEO Michael O’Leary said he hoped to avoid further cancellations.
Ryanair has just suspended 34 routes until next year: Here's the full list https://t.co/vFz0qJesPo pic.twitter.com/Zz9UKhLpw5
1.04pm BST
13:04
UK defence secretary warns Boeing of possible retaliation
The UK government is rolling out the big guns against Boeing, with the defence secretary dropping an unsubtle hint that Britain could retaliate.
Sir Michael Fallon has told reporters in Belfast that the UK’s current relationship with Boeing could be damaged by the row. He even suggests that London might decline to buy Boeing products in future:
Fallon says:
“This is not the behaviour we expect from Boeing and it could indeed jeopardise our future relationship with them.
“Boeing has significant defence contracts with us and still expects to win further contracts. Boeing wants and we want a long term partnership but that has to be two-way.
Boeing is an important investor in the United Kingdom and an important employer in the United Kingdom but we would prefer this kind of issue to be settled on a negotiated basis.
“This is not the kind of behaviour that we expect from along-term partner and I’ve made that very clear to Boeing.
(Thanks to Reuters for the quotes).
Defence Sec Michael Fallon says Bombardier decision could jeopardise the British Government's future relationship with Boeing
Boeing’s military arm produces a wide range of equipment, including Apache attack helicopters, Chinook transport helicopters and surveillance planes.
As this infographic shows, Boeing also employs or supports more than 10,000 jobs in the UK; any tit-for-tat retaliation could affect them.
Updated
at 1.05pm BST
12.37pm BST
12:37
Last night, Delta argued that Boeing’s case lacked merit, because it simply doesn’t make an aircraft that competes directly with Bombardier’s C Series:
Delta Air Lines comment on the ITC decision.https://t.co/3UsUHNClnz pic.twitter.com/qoGvaZc3TW
Stéphane Lessard, the consul general of Canada in Denver, warned that imposing steep tariffs on Bombardier could backfire.
Very rich 4 #Boeing 2 claim it was harmed by Delta's purchase of C Series airplanes from #Bombardier when it didn't even bid 4 the contract! https://t.co/fkGCRgq7rw
About 50% of Bombardier's C Series aircraft is US content. If production stops, thousands of US jobs could vanish, 2K jobs in Kansas alone! https://t.co/iSaKA21O71
12.33pm BST
12:33
Here are some photos of Bombardier staff working on C Series aeroplane wings:
Updated
at 12.47pm BST