American Airlines Boeing 777 at Miami International Airport Photo: Wiki
China has ordered its airlines to stop receiving new aircraft from the US aviation giant Boeing, as well as to stop purchasing related equipment and spare parts from the US. This was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the situation. The decision was a direct response to the United States’ imposition of 145 per cent duties on Chinese goods.
The Chinese authorities are also considering providing financial assistance to companies that already lease Boeing aircraft and are experiencing increased costs.
Since the early 1970s, Boeing has delivered more than 2,000 commercial aircraft to China, and the country has remained one of the key markets for the US aircraft manufacturer. But the new duties are changing the balance of power in the market: Chinese airlines may turn to alternatives, such as the European Airbus or the national COMAC.
China’s decision could have serious implications for the US aviation industry, especially given the planned deliveries for 2025-2027:
- Air China expects 45 aircraft,
- China Eastern Airlines – 53,
- China Southern Airlines – 81.
Amid the escalation of the conflict, US President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Chinese products, after which China imposed a 125% duty on US goods, including aircraft. The US then took a step back, temporarily exempting smartphones, computers and other electronics from the new taxes. However, Beijing has said that Washington should “completely cancel” mutual restrictions.
Boeing has not yet officially commented on the situation.
