By Allison Lampert

(Reuters) – The largest U.S. aerospace trade group on Friday opened the door to discussions on specific tariffs, after incoming President-elect Donald Trump proposed slapping duties on countries such as Mexico and Canada.

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), which represents US planemaking and defense giants such as Boeing (NYSE: ) and General Dynamics (NYSE: ), played down the prospect of tariffs for the first time, saying in a statement that it will discuss how to adapt them to protect national security and primary industry.

The statement did not provide specifics.

“We look forward to working with the Trump administration to discuss where tariff policy can support our products, while also ensuring that the industry is empowered to continue to grow in a way that supports US national security needs.” and maintain our position as a leading high-technology, US-centered manufacturing sector,” the statement said.

Trump’s warning in November of potential 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada has already prompted threats of retaliation from Ottawa and raised concerns in sectors such as automotive that the move could also hit the US industry.

By 2023, Canada will be the leading import country and third largest export destination for aerospace and defense trade in the United States, according to the AIA. Mexico is not in the top five.