US increasing tariffs on Airbus planes from 10% to 15%

In this file photo taken on June 18, 2019 an Airbus A350 1000 performs its flying display at the International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport, near Paris. (Credit: AFP Photo)

The United States is increasing tariffs on Airbus planes imported from Europe to 15 per cent beginning March 18, authorities announced.

The duties have been at 10 per cent since October, when Washington hit USD 7.5 billion in European products with tariffs.

The announcement from the office of the United States Trade Representative came just days after President Donald Trump said it was time to talk "very seriously" about a trade deal with the European Union.