A Boeing 737 MAX, originally destined for China’s Xiamen Airlines, has returned to the company’s U.S. production facility, a consequence of the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The aircraft, which was carrying Xiamen Airlines’ livery, landed at Boeing Field in Seattle on Saturday evening after a 5,000-mile (8,000-km) journey that included refueling stops in Guam and Hawaii.
The plane had been waiting for final work at Boeing’s Zhoushan completion center in China, but the escalating tariffs between the two nations have created an obstacle for the delivery. This comes after President Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to impose a 125% tariff on U.S. goods in retaliation. Such high tariffs make it financially challenging for Chinese airlines to receive Boeing jets, which are valued around $55 million each.
The decision for the aircraft’s return remains unclear, with both Boeing and Xiamen Airlines declining to comment. This disruption to the 737 MAX deliveries is a significant blow to Boeing’s recovery, which had already been affected by an almost five-year import freeze on the aircraft due to safety issues.
The tariff dispute, which has derailed what had been a duty-free status for the aerospace industry, is now leading to further uncertainty. Many airline CEOs are considering deferring their plane deliveries to avoid paying the new tariffs, causing more confusion in the aviation sector.
