Boeing has returned two planes it ordered from the US due to retaliatory tariffs imposed by China, according to the company’s CEO Kelly Ortberg. The move is part of China’s efforts to counter US President Trump’s 145% tariffs on imports from China.
Ortberg stated that while Boeing expects to deliver 50 more planes to China this year, customers have indicated they will not take delivery due to the tariff environment. The company is now assessing options to re-market 41 already built planes to other customers.
Boeing is America’s largest exporter, with about 70% of its commercial aircraft sales outside the US. Ortberg assured that the company will not continue to build aircraft for customers who will not take them.
The US-China trade tensions have resulted in universal tariffs of 10% being implemented in Japan and Italy. Boeing’s chief financial officer Brian West emphasized the importance of free trade policy, stating that the company will work with suppliers to ensure continuity.
Despite ongoing tensions, Ortberg expressed optimism about improving trade relations with China, citing a meeting between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and the IMF conference as an “incredible opportunity” for a big deal.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3evw059x04o