China Orders Its Airlines to Suspend New Boeing Plane Deliveries

BEIJING— China has ordered its airlines to stop taking jet deliveries from American aviation giant Boeing, according to Bloomberg. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies.

Approximately 10 Boeing 737 Max jets are currently being prepared to join Chinese airlines. Sources told Bloomberg that if delivery paperwork and payment were completed before Chinese “reciprocal” tariffs took effect, these planes might still be allowed to enter the country.

Photo: By Alan Wilson from Peterborough, Cambs, UK – Boeing 737 MAX; Wikimedia Commons

China on Airlines’ Boeing Delivery

Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, the United States and China have engaged in a tit-for-tat tariff battle. The US has imposed levies of up to 145 per cent on Chinese imports. Beijing has responded with retaliatory duties of 125 per cent on US imports, describing American actions as unlawful “bullying.”

According to people familiar with the matter, China has ordered its carriers to halt Boeing plane deliveries. The directive also includes suspending purchases of aircraft-related equipment and parts from US companies. However, the Chinese government is considering helping carriers that lease Boeing jets and now face higher costs due to the tariffs.

The restriction represents a serious blow for Boeing and other manufacturers attempting to navigate the escalating trade tensions. Beijing’s reciprocal tariffs on US imports would likely trigger significant cost increases for bringing aircraft and components into China.

Boeing shares have fluctuated due to concerns about trade tariff impacts and shareholder complaints. The company has lost 7% of its market value since the beginning of the year. In March, Boeing’s chief financial officer, Brian West, acknowledged that tariffs could affect parts availability from suppliers.

Photo: Ryanair Boeing 737-800 – Free photo on Pixabay

Impact on Global Aviation

Michael O’Leary, group chief executive of Ryanair (FR), said that his company might delay taking deliveries of Boeing aircraft if they become more expensive. Ryanair (FR) expects to receive 25 aircraft from Boeing starting in August but won’t need them until around March or April 2026.

Trump’s series of tariffs has disrupted world markets and upended diplomatic relations with allies and adversaries alike. The US president announced an unexpected freeze on further increases last week but gave Beijing no immediate relief.

US officials on Friday revealed exemptions from the latest duties against China for high-end tech goods such as smartphones, semiconductors, and computers.

Photo: Clément Alloing

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus stated on Tuesday that it is monitoring the evolving trade tariff situation. CEO Guillaume Faury informed shareholders that the company is experiencing problems receiving components from American supplier Spirit AeroSystems, which is affecting the production of its A350 and A220 jetliners.

As the situation continues to develop, both Boeing and Chinese airlines await further clarity on how these trade restrictions will affect their operations in the long term.

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