#USChinaTensions The 55 million dollar Boeing plane sent back by China amid the tariff war—future sales in jeopardy.

China rejects Boeing delivery, sends plane back to the U.S. amid trade tensions.

A brand new Boeing 737 MAX, originally destined for Xiamen Airlines in China, has been sent back to Seattle, marking a dramatic consequence of the rising trade tariffs between the U.S. and China.

The 55 million dollar plane landed at Boeing Field at 6:11 p.m. on Saturday after a 5,000-mile journey with stops for refueling in Guam and Hawaii. It had been parked at Boeing's completion center in Zhoushan, China, awaiting final delivery checks. However, following the announcement of new tariffs, the deal became financially unviable.

Earlier this month, the U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to respond with a 125% tax on U.S. goods. With those surcharges, the price of a 737 MAX doubles, making the plane too costly for Chinese airlines.

This reversal is the strongest signal yet that the long-standing tariff exemption status for commercial airplanes has crumbled. Boeing had only recently resumed preparations for deliveries to China after a five-year freeze caused by safety concerns and previous trade conflicts.

Bloomberg reports that Chinese regulators have instructed domestic airlines to pause all Boeing deliveries. This news shook the markets, with Boeing shares falling approximately 1% by midday Tuesday.

While the White House and Boeing remained silent, former President Donald Trump took to social media, claiming that China had “walked away from the great Boeing deal.”

Boeing's future in China at risk.

The 737 MAX is Boeing's best-selling aircraft.