GE Aerospace CEO Culp met Trump to discuss tariff impact on aerospace

GE Aerospace CEO Culp met Trump to discuss tariff impact on aerospace

In a recent meeting with President Donald Trump, GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp discussed the potential impact of the ongoing trade war on the aerospace industry. The meeting comes amidst growing concerns among business leaders about the inflationary effects of tariffs, as seen in recent remarks by Fifth Third CEO Tim Spence [1].

Culp, who is set to speak to analysts about GE Aerospace's first quarter results on Tuesday, highlighted the challenges faced by the company due to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs. He noted that the company is making frequent visits to Washington, D.C., to minimize the effects of the trade war on its operations. Culp's comments echo those made by Fifth Third's Spence, who emphasized the need for manufacturers to raise prices in response to the added expenses of tariffs [1].

Spence, during a Thursday call with Wall Street analysts, stated that the magnitude of the tariff announcement caught many of the bank's clients by surprise. Half of the clients believed the tariffs were a negotiating tactic, while the other half were concerned that the tariffs would stick at higher levels. This uncertainty has led many businesses to raise prices in anticipation of higher tariffs in the coming months [1].

GE Aerospace's Culp acknowledged that the company would pass along some of the added costs through higher pricing for most businesses. This strategy is a common response to increased tariffs, as manufacturers often have contractual obligations to set future prices and cannot wait for tariff rates to be finalized. The company has been exploring contingency plans in anticipation of higher tariffs under Trump [1].

While the impact of tariffs on the aerospace industry remains uncertain, the meeting between Culp and Trump signals a continued effort to mitigate the effects of the trade war. As other local Fortune 500 companies, such as Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble, prepare to report their results, the ongoing discussion about tariffs and their impact on businesses will likely continue to dominate financial news.

References:
[1] https://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2025/04/21/fifth-third-and-ge-aerospace-ceos-trump-trade-war-means-higher-prices/83143730007/