Donald Trump Tariff Live Updates: Boeing April deliveries hit by US-China trade war

Time of India

13-05-2025

The new US-China trade truce has eased some of the pressure on global markets, but its impact on companies like Boeing highlights how disruptive the standoff became. After months of tariff escalation, both sides agreed to roll back duties - the US slashing rates on Chinese goods from 145 per cent to 30 per cent, and China reducing its tariffs on US goods from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. The Geneva deal, struck after intense negotiations, was a strategic retreat for Washington and a validation of Beijing's patient resistance.
One of the most affected American firms was Boeing. In April, the company delivered 45 commercial planes, a slight increase from the prior month. But only two of those aircraft were sent to Chinese customers - a sharp drop for one of Boeing's most important international markets. Deliveries had been effectively frozen due to escalating trade tensions and public criticism of China from President Trump. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged the halt last month, as China pushed back sharply in response to US rhetoric.
Though China has now begun lifting its delivery ban following the truce, sources indicate that the timeline for renewed shipments remains uncertain.
Despite the freeze, Boeing managed to announce a new international order: 20 737 MAX 8 jets from Saudi leasing firm AviLease, with options for 10 more. The order was timed with President Trump's state visit to Saudi Arabia, a reminder that Boeing continues to build ties elsewhere.
While the truce marks a cooling of hostilities, deep-rooted tensions remain. The Boeing-China situation illustrates that even high-level agreements don't immediately repair the practical business damage caused by prolonged geopolitical friction.