Boeing Jet Returns from China Amid Tariff Tensions, Deliveries in Limbo

A Boeing (NYSE:BA) 737 MAX jet that recently arrived at its Zhoushan completion center near Shanghai is heading back to the U.S., flight tracking data shows, signaling a potential pause in Chinese deliveries amid escalating trade tensions. The move follows reports that China may be blocking Boeing imports in response to new U.S. tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump.

Four newly built Boeing jets were delivered to Zhoushan in March for final outfitting, but one jet — marked with a Xiamen Airlines livery — departed Friday for Guam en route to Seattle. Photos also linked the aircraft to Shandong Airlines and Air China in prior years, though none of the airlines commented on the situation.

While no formal ban has been confirmed, Bloomberg reported that Beijing advised Chinese carriers to halt aircraft-related imports from the U.S. Boeing declined to comment, but aviation sources say the company is operating under the assumption that deliveries to China are suspended for now.

The uncertainty stems from tariff disputes and supply chain disruptions. Boeing, which historically sent 25% of its aircraft to China, resumed MAX deliveries only in January 2024 after a five-year freeze. Now, growing tensions and tariff confusion may delay further deliveries.

Zhoushan, a plant launched in 2018 to finalize jets for Chinese customers, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing trade war. Analysts believe short-term delivery delays may have limited impact due to global demand, but long-term growth in China’s aviation market remains crucial. Boeing data shows 130 unfilled orders from Chinese buyers, with many of its 760 unnamed orders potentially destined for China.

As the situation evolves, Chinese airlines may extend leases rather than take new deliveries, further straining Boeing’s China strategy.