A Boeing jet intended for a Chinese airline, Xiamen Airlines, landed back at the company’s US production hub in Seattle after being affected by the tit-for-tat tariffs launched by Donald Trump. The 737 MAX, which was meant for Xiamen Airlines, made refuelling stops in Guam and Hawaii on its 5,000-mile return journey.
The jet’s market value is around $55m, according to aviation consultancy IBA. China holds about 20% of the expected global demand for aircraft over the next two decades. Boeing had scheduled 130 planes for delivery to Chinese companies at the end of March, but it was unclear which party made the decision to return the jet.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told a US Senate hearing that the company sold 80% of its planes overseas and wanted to avoid getting into a situation where certain markets become closed to them. There is about half a trillion dollars in backlogged orders at Boeing, with some airline CEOs saying they would defer delivery of planes rather than pay duties.
The tariffs imposed by Trump could leave many aircraft deliveries in limbo, with analysts warning that confusion over changing tariffs could lead to delays and deferrals. This move could cripple Chinese airlines taking delivery of Boeing jets, which could have significant implications for the aviation industry.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/21/china-returns-boeing-737-jet-us-too-expensive-tariffs