Beijing: China has lifted its informal ban on the delivery of Boeing aircraft, signaling a potential thaw in trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, according to a report by Bloomberg News citing sources familiar with the matter.
Officials in Beijing reportedly informed domestic airlines and government agencies this week that U.S.-manufactured aircraft can now be delivered once again. The decision comes shortly after the United States and China reached an agreement to temporarily reduce reciprocal tariffs that had exceeded 100%, following trade discussions in Geneva over the weekend.
This shift marks a significant development in the ongoing economic relationship between the world’s two largest economies. Last month, at least three Boeing aircraft stationed at the company’s delivery center in China were returned to the United States, amid signs of deteriorating trade relations. Boeing had said at the time that Chinese customers would not be taking delivery of new jets due to tariff-related hurdles, and the company was actively exploring options to resell dozens of undelivered aircraft.
While Beijing has not officially explained the halt in deliveries, sources within the aviation industry told Reuters they were unaware of any formal ban or directive. The Civil Aviation Administration of China and Boeing both declined to comment on Bloomberg’s latest report. Chinese airlines contacted by Reuters also did not respond.
Two weeks earlier, Chinese authorities acknowledged that U.S. tariffs had significantly affected both Boeing and Chinese airlines. China accounts for approximately 10% of Boeing’s commercial aircraft backlog, making it a vital market for the American aerospace giant.
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During its first-quarter earnings call, Boeing revealed it had intended to deliver 50 jets to Chinese carriers this year, with 41 already in production or completed. Despite interest from other international buyers, Boeing was hesitant to redirect these aircraft due to customization challenges. For example, cabin seating had been selected and installed based on specifications from the original Chinese buyers.
Of the 30 undelivered 737 MAX jets built prior to 2023, Boeing expects Chinese customers to take delivery of 25. Additionally, at least four 777 freighters remain in production for Chinese carriers, according to a source familiar with the matter and aviation data from Aviation Flights Group.
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Ahead of this week’s agreement, China had already granted tariff exemptions for select aerospace components, such as engines and landing gear, suggesting early signs of diplomatic compromise in the aviation sector.
As the temporary tariff reduction enters its 90-day negotiation window, industry analysts will be watching closely to see if this opening leads to more sustained cooperation or signals a broader reset in U.S.-China trade relations.
