Catenaa, Thursday, April 17, 2025-China has ordered its airlines to suspend new deliveries of Boeing aircraft, escalating tensions in an intensifying US -China trade dispute, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.
The directive halts delivery of approximately 10 Boeing 737 Max jets slated for Chinese carriers. Exceptions may be made if documentation and payment are finalized before Chinese tariffs take effect, according to people familiar with the matter.
Beijing’s move follows Washington’s imposition of tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods. In response, China retaliated with 125% duties on US imports, including aircraft and related parts. The order also bars airlines from purchasing US -made aircraft equipment, but Chinese authorities may assist carriers leasing Boeing planes to mitigate rising costs.
The development poses a significant setback for Boeing, which has seen its market value drop 7% this year amid investor concern and global uncertainty. Boeing CFO Brian West acknowledged last month that tariffs could disrupt parts availability from suppliers.
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary warned Tuesday that the airline may delay Boeing aircraft deliveries if rising costs persist, pushing expected arrivals from August 2025 into early 2026.
European rival Airbus said it is monitoring the situation, citing disruptions in receiving components from American supplier Spirit AeroSystems, which is affecting production of its A350 and A220 jets.
Despite a freeze on new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump last week, no immediate relief was offered to Beijing, fueling further instability in aviation markets.
