WTO: Boeing received illegal subsidies

The World Trade Organization dispute settlement panel ruled Wednesday that Boeing received U.S. government subsidies to develop aircraft. The interim ruling, reported by numerous media organizations, is confidential and a final ruling is not expected for several months. Three months ago the WTO found that European countries provided illegal subsidies to Boeing rival Airbus. The biggest impact of the ruling could be forcing the United States and European Union to come up with a negotiated settlement on subsidies. (Sources: Multiple, including Reuters, AP, Bloomberg, 09/15/10) Gulf Coast note: Boeing and Airbus parent, EADS, are competing for a $40 billion contract to build tankers for the U.S. Air Force. EADS wants to assemble its tankers in Mobile, Ala.