China Returns $55M Boeing Jet to U.S. Amid Escalating Trade Tensions
A brand-new Boeing 737 MAX, originally slated for delivery to Chinaās Xiamen Airlines, was flown back to the U.S. this weekend, signaling a deepening rift in U.S.-China trade relations. The $55 million aircraft landed at Boeing Field in Seattle at 6:11 p.m. on Saturday, after a trans-Pacific flight with stops in Guam and Hawaii.
The jet had been undergoing final inspections at Boeingās Zhoushan completion center in China before the delivery was abruptly canceled. The move followed the implementation of steep new tariffs, which rendered the sale financially unfeasible.
Earlier this month, the U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 145% on a broad array of Chinese imports, citing trade imbalances and IP concerns. In response, China hit back with a 125% tariff on several U.S. exports, including commercial aircraftādoubling the Boeing jetās effective cost to over $110 million.
This development highlights the tangible impact of intensifying trade hostilities and casts doubt on Boeingās long-term prospects in the Chinese market, where demand has traditionally been strong. With uncertainty mounting, Chinese carriers may increasingly favor European rival Airbus for future purchases.
The incident adds to the growing strain in U.S.-China ties and signals potential ripple effects across the already fragile global aviation industry.
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