Għaliex Xi Jinping taċ-Ċina xxekkel il-Boeing b'ritaljazzjoni għat-tariffi ta' Trump: daqqa kbira lill-ġgant tal-ajruplani tal-Istati Uniti, liema aġġornament ġdid trid tkun taf

IT - TLIETA April 15, 2025

In a significant move that escalates the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, Beijing has ordered Chinese airlines to cease taking deliveries of Boeing Co. jets. This decision comes as a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods. Along with halting new aircraft deliveries, China has also prohibited its carriers from purchasing any aircraft-related equipment and parts from U.S. companies, further intensifying the dispute.

The Impact on Boeing and Chinese Airlines

This crackdown presents a serious blow to Boeing, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers. With China forecast to account for 20% of global aircraft demand over the next two decades, this setback has significant implications for Boeing’s sales in one of its most lucrative markets. The Chinese government’s decision to implement retaliatory tariffs of 125% on U.S. goods makes it financially impractical for Chinese airlines to accept new Boeing jets. These tariffs effectively double the cost of Boeing’s aircraft, including the popular 737 Max model.

Shares of Boeing fell sharply following the announcement, with a 4.6% drop in premarket trading. Boeing’s stock has already experienced a 10% decline in value this year, and this new development could further strain the company’s financial outlook.

Ongoing Boeing Deliveries to China

Despite these new tariffs, some Boeing 737 Max aircraft are still preparing to enter Chinese airline fleets. This includes two aircraft each for major carriers such as China Southern Airlines, Air China, and Xiamen Airlines. However, the situation remains fluid, with delivery paperwork and payment on some planes potentially completed before the new tariffs took effect on April 12. These jets may still be allowed to enter China, though on a case-by-case basis.

In addition to the grounded 737 Max fleet, there are concerns over the delayed delivery of other aircraft. Juneyao Airlines, for instance, has postponed the arrival of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which was scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks.

Boeing’s Struggles in China’s Market

Boeing’s difficulties in China are not new. The company faced a significant setback in 2019 when China became the first country to ground the 737 Max after two fatal crashes involving the aircraft. Since then, the trade tensions between the U.S. and China, coupled with Boeing’s own quality control issues, have led Chinese airlines to increasingly turn to Europe’s Airbus for new aircraft purchases. In 2024, Boeing faced another quality crisis when a mid-flight incident involving a door plug damaged a 737, further damaging its reputation in China.

The Bigger Picture: U.S.-China Trade War

This development is part of a larger trade war between the two largest economies in the world. In recent years, tariffs have become a key tool in both nations’ economic strategies. President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods have triggered retaliatory measures from Beijing, affecting industries like aviation, technology, and agriculture. While the U.S. has backtracked on some of its tariffs, including those on Apple’s iPhones, the impact on Boeing remains severe.

With China’s actions, Boeing faces an uncertain future in the region, especially as competition from Airbus grows. The trade war’s impact on the U.S. aircraft manufacturer highlights the broader challenges faced by companies caught in geopolitical disputes.