Purchasing a private aircraft internationally can open the door to finding the right jet at the right price. But in today’s market, tariffs and import taxes are reshaping the economics of these deals. If you’re looking at aircraft in Europe, Canada, Mexico, or beyond, understanding how these costs could impact your bottom line is critical.
At Swartz Aviation, we specialize in helping clients navigate the aircraft import process—including the often-overlooked world of tariffs, duties, and private jet taxes.
Why Aircraft Tariffs Matter for Buyers in 2025
Global trade policies and shifting tariff agreements have made cross-border transactions more complex than ever. For U.S. buyers, importing certain private jets can trigger duties as high as 25% of the aircraft’s value.
On a $14 million Challenger or Gulfstream, that could mean more than $3.5 million in unexpected costs.
As Mike Swartz explains, “Too many buyers aren’t informed that tariffs will apply until they’re deep in the deal. At that stage, they’re facing either a massive, unexpected bill or the possibility of walking away after months of anticipation.”
Case Study: Importing a Challenger 605
Our recent Challenger 605 acquisition highlighted just how complex the tariff environment can be.
This aircraft was originally built in Canada but completed in the United States. Because of that two-part assembly and completion maintenance event, it qualified under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) trade agreement. Even though the aircraft spent most of its life based in Mexico—coming into the U.S. only on temporary import status—we were able to work with our attorneys and U.S. Customs to secure the right exemption.
A critical step was obtaining a letter from Bombardier confirming that the aircraft met USMCA standards. With that documentation in place, Customs agreed not to apply a tariff.
Had the aircraft been both manufactured and completed in Canada, however, it would not have qualified under USMCA—and a 25% tariff could have applied. On a $14 million transaction, that would have added over $3.5 million to the purchase price.
This case underscores how vital it is to understand the rules, exemptions, and documentation requirements before committing to a cross-border deal.
Why Timing Matters More Than Ever
Tariff rates are a moving target. In recent years, we’ve seen Switzerland’s tariff on certain aircraft swing from 25% to 10% to nearly 40%. Brazil was briefly hit with a 50% tariff—then aviation was suddenly exempted. These shifts happen quickly, often with little notice.
For buyers, timing is everything. A deal that makes sense today could look very different tomorrow if trade agreements or enforcement change. Acting with clarity—and with the right guidance—ensures you’re not left reacting to sudden policy shifts after it’s too late.
How Swartz Aviation Helps Buyers Avoid Tariff Surprises
When it comes to private aircraft imports, expertise matters. At Swartz, our international transaction support includes:
- Tariff Risk Assessment – Calculating real costs upfront so buyers understand total exposure before committing.
- Customs & Tax Coordination – Partnering with compliance experts to structure imports in the most efficient way.
- Global Market Sourcing – Leveraging our international network to locate aircraft in regions with lower tariff risks.
- Seamless Import Oversight – Managing paperwork, regulatory requirements, and inspections to prevent costly delays.
With over 40 years of experience, licensed pilots and mechanics on staff, and firsthand ownership expertise, we protect clients from the hidden costs and complexities of cross-border purchases.
What Buyers Should Keep in Mind
If you’re considering an international aircraft purchase, here are a few key takeaways:
- Know your tariff exposure before signing a letter of intent.
- Consider sourcing options strategically—sometimes buying in a different region avoids unnecessary duties.
- Work with an experienced import/export partner. Navigating customs, taxes, and compliance is not a do-it-yourself process.
- Factor long-term ownership costs. Duties today can impact depreciation, resale value, and total cost of ownership tomorrow.
- Keep an eye on timing. Tariff rates and trade rules change often—and those changes can make or break a deal.
Buy with Confidence
Tariffs don’t have to derail your aircraft purchase. With the right guidance, you can minimize exposure to duties and taxes, and ensure a smooth, financially sound transaction.
At Swartz Aviation, we make sure every client buys with clarity and confidence—whether sourcing a Challenger 605 overseas or evaluating options across the global market.
Schedule a Consult today to discuss the best path for your aircraft acquisition.
