Beijing sends back a Boeing 737 Max: too expensive after Trump’s tariffs

The $55 million jet destined for Xiamen Airlines has returned to the US after the trade escalation between Washington and Beijing

China has shipped back to the US a Boeing 737 Max destined for a Beijing-based airline, now deemed too expensive due to the escalating tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The aircraft, worth an estimated $55 million, had been purchased by Xiamen Airlines, but was sent back to Boeing’s Seattle production centre after the trade war between Washington and Beijing escalated.

The jet travelled eight thousand kilometres, making stops for refuelling in Guam and Hawaii, and landed in the US still wearing the Chinese company’s colours. The Boeing 737 Max is the American company’s flagship and best-selling model, but the introduction of duties of up to 145% by the US and the Chinese response with counter-duties of 125% made delivery economically untenable.

The move highlights the real impact of economic tensions on international industrial supplies, particularly in the civil aviation sector, one of the most sensitive to tariff increases and strained bilateral relations.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)