A Boeing jet intended for delivery to China has returned to the United States amid escalating tariff tensions between Beijing and Washington. Flight tracking data indicates that the aircraft, which was part of several jets awaiting final work and handover to a Chinese carrier at Boeing’s completion center in Zhoushan, has been redirected back to the U.S. This move reflects the growing disruption in deliveries caused by the breakdown of the industry’s long-standing duty-free status.\n\nJust weeks before U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs in April, Boeing had sent three new 737 Max planes from Seattle to Zhoushan for interior installation and painting. However, one of these jets has now flown back to Guam, a stop en route to Seattle, without being delivered. Boeing has declined to comment on the matter.\n\nThe 5,000-mile journey back to Boeing’s main factory highlights the scrutiny its business in China faces due to the tariff dispute. Reports suggest that Boeing may face a Chinese import ban as part of the escalating trade conflict. Although there has been no official confirmation from Beijing, industry sources agree that Beijing’s tariffs on U.S. goods would effectively halt aircraft imports.\n\nBoeing’s completion plant in Zhoushan, opened in 2018, was designed to strengthen its position in one of the world’s largest air travel markets. Despite discussions about keeping undelivered jets in bonded storage to avoid tariffs, the current situation suggests a temporary halt in deliveries to China.\n\nAnalysts note that while a short-term pause in deliveries to China may not immediately impact Boeing significantly, it could affect its long-term strategy in the region. Boeing historically sent a quarter of its deliveries to China, but this percentage has declined due to prior tensions, the 737 Max safety crisis, and the pandemic.\n— new from CNBC
