Background Information

The Industry Sector Advisory Committee (ISAC) on Aerospace Equipment is comprised of industry representatives from the aerospace equipment sector that includes aircraft and parts, missiles, and space launch vehicles. The total value of shipments by the U.S. aerospace industry in 2000 was $144 billion representing an increase of 1 percent from 1999. In 2000, U.S. aerospace exports totaled $59 billion and posted a $33 billion trade surplus making it the nation's largest net exporter.
Industry representatives serving on the Aerospace Equipment ISAC provide advice on trade policy matters. Presently, members of the Aerospace Equipment ISAC are providing advice on a range of current issues that include: European government subsidies to Airbus; the European Union (EU) hushkit regulation; U.K. Government subsidies to Rolls Royce aircraft engines; the WTO Agreement on Trade and Civil Aircraft changes; and U.S. export licensing restrictions. The Aerospace Equipment ISAC works closely with the new "Commission on the Future of the Aerospace Industry," which was launched by President Bush and Congress in 2001. In the past, Aerospace Equipment ISAC members were effective in providing advice regarding the 1994 WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and ensuring civil aircraft coverage.

Industry representatives serving on the ISAC on Aerospace Equipment have a voice in U.S. trade policy formulation through the Industry Consultations Program (ICP), which emerged from the 1974 Trade Act, to ensure that trade negotiators were coordinating with the private sector during trade negotiations. Based on the program's success, the ICP was renewed and expanded by the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 and the Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. The Department of Commerce, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and other agencies work side-by-side with business leaders who serve as advisors to the U.S. Government. The Department of Commerce and USTR have joint responsibility for operating the advisory committees of the ICP.

Eligibility for Membership on the Aerospace Industry ISAC

Committee members are U.S. citizens representing U.S. manufacturing or service firms in the aerospace industry, trade internationally, and have a special interest in and knowledge of international trade issues. Representatives of industry associations may also participate. Additional information can be found on the Industry Consultations Program's website at www.ita.doc.gov/icp or by contacting:

The Industry Consultations Program