China has instructed its airlines to suspend all future deliveries of Boeing jets in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, Bloomberg News reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
This move deals a fresh blow to Boeing, which considers China one of its largest potential markets. Shares of the U.S. aerospace giant fell 2% in early trading on Tuesday following the news.
China’s top three carriers—Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern—were slated to receive a combined 179 Boeing aircraft between 2025 and 2027. In addition to halting deliveries, Beijing has reportedly directed Chinese airlines to suspend purchases of U.S.-made aircraft parts and components, a decision expected to increase maintenance costs for Boeing jets currently operating in China.
The Chinese government is also evaluating financial support options for airlines that lease Boeing aircraft and now face mounting expenses due to tariff-related disruptions.
This development comes as part of a broader economic standoff: last week, China imposed 125% tariffs on U.S. imports in retaliation to the U.S. hike, intensifying what analysts warn could bring the $650 billion U.S.-China trade relationship to a grinding halt.
Boeing is already facing turbulence after a 2024 mid-air incident involving a MAX 9 jet and ongoing supply chain challenges, regulatory hurdles, and labor unrest.
The suspension underscores China’s willingness to deepen its pivot toward European manufacturer Airbus and domestic plane-maker Comac in the ongoing struggle for market dominance amid geopolitical tensions.
Boeing has not yet commented on the reported suspension.
