The US has suspended the sale of critical jet engine technology to China’s state-owned plane manufacturer COMAC, citing concerns over recent restrictions on exports of critical minerals to the US. The move is seen as a response to China’s actions, which were deemed a breach of trust by US authorities.
COMAC’s C919 aircraft program relies heavily on imported engines from companies like GE Aerospace and Safran, with its LEAP-1C engine being made through a joint venture between the two firms. However, the US has granted licenses for these sales in the past, including one granted just before President Donald Trump left office.
The suspension comes as the C919 aircraft enters service in China, with 18 planes currently in operation within mainland China and Hong Kong. The move is expected to affect aviation equipment exports to China, a sector that was previously considered less vulnerable to US sanctions.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/us-suspends-sales-some-us-technologies-chinas-airplane-maker-comac-new-york-2025-05-29