Boeing has started offering aircraft to new buyers after delays in deliveries to China caused by increasing tariffs. This comes as Boeing works to avoid another round of aircraft buildup, which affected its operations during earlier trade and safety issues. The company now looks at ways to cut costs and handle debt as it adjusts to the growing impact of tariffs on its business.
Boeing confirmed it sent a third 737 MAX aircraft back to the United States after it was previously marked for delivery in China. It also returned two jets meant for Xiamen Airlines, both of which arrived in Seattle during the past week. Data showed that the third aircraft flew from Zhoushan, near Shanghai, to Guam, which is a common stop for Boeing delivery flights. That aircraft was initially produced for Air China. The airline has not responded to a request for comment.
Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg said, “Due to the tariffs, many of our customers in China have indicated that they will not take delivery.” Chief Financial Officer Brian West added, “Customers are calling, asking for additional airplanes.” These talks are usually kept private, but the company shared the details openly during a recent call with analysts. The decision reflects Boeing’s goal to avoid storing completed planes that remain undelivered.
The tariff situation has grown more tense in recent weeks. The United States raised its tariff rate on Chinese goods to 145 percent earlier this month. China responded with its own 125 percent tariff on imports from the United States. In response, President Donald Trump said on (April) (10), (2025), “This is just a small example of what China has done to the USA, for years.” He also urged the company to “default China” for failing to take the planes it had committed to buy. Boeing did not release a statement regarding Trump’s comments.
Boeing had expected to deliver around 50 aircraft to China over the next few months. However, the company is now considering new buyers for 41 jets that are either completed or under production. The situation has developed at a time when China still needs more planes to meet growing demand and maintain its fleet age limits.
New Buyers and Production Adjustments
Markets being considered for these aircraft include India, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Talks have started but remain early because of complicated factors around changing orders. One aircraft finance expert said, “This will be extremely complicated. Everyone is flexing muscle but nobody completely has the upper hand.” The process involves more than just moving the aircraft to another buyer. Many planes have custom cabin designs selected by the original airline. Changing those setups could add millions in extra costs. It also may require approval and cooperation from the original buyers.
Ortberg said, “We’re not going to continue to build aircraft for customers who will not take them.” Boeing now follows a different path than it did during the nearly five-year delay in 737 MAX deliveries to China. Then, dozens of planes remained undelivered due to trade and safety issues. Boeing aims to avoid that result by finding new buyers sooner.
Even though Boeing once delivered about a quarter of its jets to China, that number has dropped to just 10 percent. During that time, rival Airbus increased its market share. Airbus has been discussing a possible deal for up to 500 planes with China, although no final agreements have been made. Airbus said it does not comment on talks that may or may not be taking place.
Boeing’s next steps depend on how the tariff situation unfolds. While China continues to ask the U.S. to drop the tariffs, there has been no official order stopping airlines from buying U.S. aircraft. Boeing’s move to repurpose jets reflects the ongoing challenges in international trade and the need to manage delivery schedules without delays.
