Trump's Tariff Policies Impacting Chinese Airlines And Boeing, Confirms Commerce Ministry

The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China have taken a fresh toll on the aviation industry, with both Chinese airlines and Boeing suffering significant setbacks due to Washington’s tariff measures.

In a statement released Tuesday, China’s commerce ministry voiced its concerns, urging the US to acknowledge the strain on businesses and to foster a more stable and predictable trade environment, reported Reuters.

This marked Beijing’s first official remark on how tariffs have specifically impacted aviation, following Boeing’s decision to send three 737 MAX jets—originally intended for Chinese buyers—back to the US.

The planes had been sitting in China, awaiting delivery, but growing uncertainties around tariff-related costs and import restrictions led to their return.

Boeing Confronts Delivery Delays and Buyer Hesitation

Boeing, already grappling with supply chain complications and fallout from past halts in aircraft imports, now faces fresh uncertainty in one of its most important markets.

The American aircraft manufacturer revealed last week that several Chinese clients  signalled that they would no longer proceed with the planned receipt of new planes due to escalating tariffs. As a result, Boeing is exploring the option of redirecting dozens of aircraft to alternative buyers.

“China's affected airlines and Boeing have suffered greatly,” the commerce ministry noted, emphasising the wider disruption the tariffs have caused—not just to aerospace transactions, but also to supply chains, investment activities, and the air transport sector as a whole.

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China Calls for Stable Trade Rules Amid Strategic Exemptions

China has signalled its readiness to back commercial cooperation between the two nations and is advocating for a more transparent and dependable climate for trade and foreign investment. Responding to questions about the rerouted aircraft, the ministry reaffirmed its willingness to support business continuity between US and Chinese entities.

Although the broader trade environment remains volatile, China has taken limited steps to mitigate the damage. Businesses have confirmed that certain US imports have been excluded from China’s steep 125 per cent tariffs. Authorities have also encouraged firms to list essential goods they require without the burden of added duties.

Some signs of flexibility are already emerging. French aerospace supplier Safran announced last Friday that China has granted exemptions on some aviation components, including critical items such as engines and landing gear.

Nonetheless, analysts caution that the constantly shifting tariff policy may lead airline decision-makers to adopt a wait-and-see approach, particularly when it comes to accepting new aircraft deliveries that could come with hefty fees. For now, Boeing’s supply channel to China remains clouded in uncertainty, as trade disputes continue to cast long shadows over the aviation sector’s future.

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