Airbus SE (EADSY) is telling staff that global trade friction is no longer a short-term issue, but a lasting risk that affects daily operations. In an internal memo seen by Reuters, Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said trade disputes caused “significant collateral damage, logistically and financially,” during 2025.
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According to Faury, rising tensions between the U.S. and China have made the industrial environment harder to manage. He added that the start of 2026 is shaped by an unusual number of global crises. As a result, Airbus must rely more on internal strength and tighter planning.
Although these pressures weighed on the business, Faury said Airbus still delivered “good results” overall last year. The company is scheduled to report full earnings on February 19.
On Friday, EADSY shares rose 1.30% to close at $61.38.
Trade Disruption Meets Supply Chain Stress
Meanwhile, trade limits have hit aerospace supply lines from several sides. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs led China to restrict rare-earth exports. Soon after, Washington paused exports of some engines and key parts to China.
These moves matter because Airbus jets built in China still depend on U.S.-made components. As a result, trade policy has become a direct production risk rather than a distant policy issue.
Even so, Faury said Airbus Defense and Space is now on firmer ground after profound changes. He also said Airbus Helicopters continues to deliver steady results.
Still, supply chains remain fragile. Faury said Airbus faced its biggest challenges with engines from Pratt & Whitney, part of RTX Corporation (RTX), and CFM, a joint venture of General Electric Company (GE) and Safran SA (SAFRY). Engine delays have also slowed jet deliveries, primarily in the A320 family.
Focus Turns to Cash and the Next Aircraft Cycle
Nevertheless, Airbus is shifting its focus toward profitability rather than pure output. After a major software recall and flawed fuselage panels forced delivery cuts, the company kept its financial targets in place. Faury said progress on cost controls helped protect results.
Looking ahead, Airbus is preparing for the next big product cycle. Faury said the 2030s will center on a successor to the A320, expected later in that decade. He stressed that steady profit growth in the second half of the 2020s is vital to fund that effort.
“We need to approach this crucial period in truly Olympic shape,” Faury told staff. He added that Airbus’s success will depend on careful execution of this long-term plan.
Is EADSY a Good Stock to Buy?
On the Street, Airbus SE has a Moderate Buy consensus rating, based on only two analysts’ ratings. The average EADSY stock price target is $172.91, implying a 181.70% upside from the current price.
