A Boeing jet originally set for delivery to China made its way back to the United States on April 5, 2025, as ongoing trade issues between Washington and Beijing continued to affect the company’s operations. This move comes as tensions grow following recent tariffs, and Boeing’s plant in Zhoushan, located outside Shanghai, becomes part of a wider trade issue. The development could complicate future aircraft deliveries and lead to delays for both airlines and suppliers.
The incident involves a 737 MAX jet that had been at Boeing’s Zhoushan facility, where aircraft interiors are completed and liveries applied before final delivery, based on a report from Reuters. Flight tracking data showed that instead of being handed over to a Chinese customer, the plane took off from Zhoushan and flew to Guam. This stop is often used during trans-Pacific crossings, suggesting the aircraft was returning to Boeing’s factory near Seattle.
Flight records also show that in March, Boeing had flown three new 737 MAX planes from Seattle to Zhoushan, and another one arrived just last week. These moves appeared to signal routine delivery plans before new tariffs were introduced. Boeing, however, did not issue a statement on the matter.
Rising Tariffs Disrupt Delivery Plans
On April 2, 2025, the U.S. government announced fresh tariffs on Chinese imports. This prompted Beijing to respond with new levies of its own, which Bloomberg News reported would affect Boeing by halting Chinese imports of its planes. Although no official comment has come from Chinese state media or government representatives, analysts and insiders believe the tariffs will effectively block imports even without a formal announcement.
Aviation sources told Reuters they had not been informed of a direct order banning Boeing aircraft deliveries. However, many in the industry, including suppliers, are now planning for the possibility of no immediate deliveries to China. One insider noted that “Boeing and suppliers were planning on the basis that it would not be delivering planes to China for the time being.”
The aircraft recently flown back to the United States had a livery for Xiamen Airlines, which is owned by China Southern. Photos of the aircraft taken earlier this year were shared on aviation websites. Xiamen Airlines has not responded to requests for comment regarding the reversal of the delivery.
China’s completion center in Zhoushan was opened in 2018, during an earlier phase of trade tensions. Although Boeing does not build entire aircraft there, the facility plays an important role in preparing jets for Chinese customers. Analysts said the company had hoped the center would strengthen its role in China, which remains one of the largest air travel markets globally.
Growing Uncertainty for Aircraft Orders
The dispute has caused confusion over deliveries, with some airline executives now saying they may delay receiving new planes to avoid extra costs brought on by tariffs. Industry sources also said there were talks about leaving jets in bonded storage at Zhoushan. This would mean the planes are not officially imported and therefore not subject to duties. Despite these discussions, the recent flight back to the United States shows that plans may already be shifting.
The Air Current reported that a Chinese airline had also walked away from a previous agreement to lease a Boeing aircraft. Boeing has 130 unfilled orders for China-based customers, according to its own records. Analysts estimate that a large portion of the 760-plus unidentified orders could also be intended for China.
Bloomberg News recently reported that Beijing had asked local airlines to stop buying aircraft parts from the United States. However, Chinese customs and China’s foreign ministry did not comment on this development. A maintenance shop owner in China stated they had not yet faced issues importing parts from the U.S. Two U.S. sources in the aerospace field also said they received no instructions to stop shipping parts.
Analysts believe that a short pause in deliveries may not heavily impact Boeing in the near term because the company could redirect planes to other airlines. Airbus, which competes with Boeing, reportedly does not have enough extra production capacity to fulfill China’s needs alone.
Boeing’s deliveries to China have dropped over recent years following a safety crisis involving the 737 MAX, earlier trade conflicts, and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The return of the jet to the U.S. reflects the growing difficulty faced by global companies trying to operate between two of the world’s biggest markets. As both countries continue to impose new tariffs, many planned deliveries and contracts now remain uncertain.
