A new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft landed in China today, signalling the resumption of deliveries to Chinese airlines after a months-long halt linked to escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, according to REUTERS. The aircraft, bearing the livery of Xiamen Airlines, touched down at Boeing's completion centre in Zhoushan, near Shanghai, after departing from Seattle on Saturday. Its trans-Pacific journey included refuelling stops in Hawaii and Guam.
Deliveries of Boeing aircraft to China had been suspended since April, as the world's two largest economies intensified tariffs on each other's exports. Boeing announced in late May that deliveries would resume in June following a temporary 90-day easing of tariffs agreed by both governments. The move is viewed as a positive signal of improving commercial relations and growing stability in the aerospace sector.
China represents a significant market for Boeing, accounting for approximately 10% of its commercial aircraft backlog. In April, Boeing stated it expected to deliver 50 jets to Chinese carriers during the remainder of 2025, with 41 already in production or pre-built. The company had repatriated at least three 737 MAX aircraft to the United States from Zhoushan during the suspension period, although none had been reassigned to other buyers.
Despite earlier suggestions that dozens of aircraft could be resold due to the trade impasse, Boeing has refrained from reallocating the jets, instead choosing to wait for a resolution. Beijing has not publicly stated why deliveries were halted but previously acknowledged that both Chinese airlines and Boeing had been adversely impacted by the U.S.-imposed tariffs.
Coinciding with the aircraft's arrival, U.S. and Chinese representatives are due to meet in London to continue discussions around a potential trade deal, raising hopes of broader cooperation across key industries. The resumption of Boeing deliveries may serve as an encouraging sign of de-escalation in trade tensions and a step toward restoring trust in a critical global aviation partnership.
