In a major move reported by Bloomberg News, Chinese airlines have been instructed to stop receiving new Boeing aircraft deliveries. This decision comes in direct response to the United States imposing steep 145% tariffs on Chinese imports.
Following the news, Boeing’s stock took a hit—dropping 3.72% in pre-market trading just before 7 a.m. EST.
Boeing, a leading U.S. exporter serving over 150 countries, had delivered 18 aircraft this year to nine different Chinese carriers. Looking ahead, China’s top three airlines—Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern—were slated to receive a total of 179 Boeing jets between 2025 and 2027. Those plans now hang in uncertainty.
Despite these tensions, Boeing still views China as a key market for growth. However, the country remains dominated by European rival Airbus, adding further pressure to Boeing’s position in the region.
According to the Bloomberg report, Beijing has also told domestic airlines to stop purchasing aircraft parts and equipment from U.S. companies. This move could sharply increase maintenance costs for the current Boeing fleet operating in China. To cushion the impact, the Chinese government is reportedly exploring support measures for airlines leasing Boeing aircraft and dealing with rising operational costs.
This development is the latest in a long-standing tariff standoff between the U.S. and China, initially sparked during President Donald Trump’s administration. While Trump has indicated he’s comfortable with the new tariffs and hinted that a deal might be within reach, no agreement has been finalized yet.
If the 125% duty remains in place, the cost of purchasing Boeing jets will skyrocket—making them significantly less attractive to Chinese carriers. This may push airlines to explore alternatives like Airbus or turn to domestic manufacturers such as COMAC.
