Pilatus reportedly halts US deliveries due to tariffs

The tariffs applied to goods from dozens of countries and territories include a 39-percent levy on Swiss products, which is among the highest, behind Syria at 41 percent, and Myanmar and Laos at 40 percent.

The United States has long been the biggest market for Pilatus and, according to a report from Reuters, accounts for about 40 percent of annual PC–12 and PC–24 deliveries. For 2024 the privately held company reported deliveries of 153 aircraft including 96 PC–12 NGXs, 51 PC–24s, and 6 PC–21s. Pilatus also reported an increase in sales of more than 10 percent compared with 2023.

According to the recent Reuters report, the company said, “The new customs tariff imposed by the U.S. authorities represents a significant competitive disadvantage for Pilatus. In the short term, the tariff will lead to a temporary halt in deliveries and thus to a temporary interruption of U.S. business.”

Pilatus did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

The company, based in Stans, Switzerland, also reportedly said it was accelerating its overall plan to increase local production, which includes a planned operation at Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport in Florida. On August 27, 2024, Pilatus announced plans to build a sales and service center on the airport. The facility is to include 54,000 square feet for maintenance, spare parts distribution, and delivery of new aircraft. An additional 17,000 square feet will accommodate workshops, offices, and administration.

Longer-term plans include the addition of final assembly operations for aircraft slated for delivery in North and South America. The expanded facility “may ultimately employ up to 300 people,” Pilatus said.