China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Tuesday that Washington’s additional tariffs were directly responsible for Beijing’s decision to freeze deliveries of Boeing aircraft.
A ministry spokesperson stated that the new tariffs have “seriously undermined the stability of global industrial and supply chains, disrupted the international air transport market, and prevented many companies from operating normally,” according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Trump Calls for Ending Boeing Commitments
The announcement comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Boeing not to fulfill its commitments to China.
Speaking last Thursday, Trump emphasized that Boeing “should not honor its commitments to China”, arguing that Beijing has not accepted aircraft it had previously agreed to purchase.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said:
“This is just a small example of what China has done to the United States for years.”
Boeing’s Response and Aircraft Backlog
Facing mounting challenges, Boeing is now reportedly seeking to resell dozens of aircraft originally destined for China.
The company recently returned a third undelivered aircraft to the United States, highlighting the growing impact of trade tensions.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg stated last Wednesday that Chinese customers have halted aircraft deliveries due to the “tariff environment,” exacerbating Boeing’s delivery backlog.
Escalating Trade War
Since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, the United States has imposed additional tariffs of 145% on a wide range of Chinese goods.
These tariffs were initially justified by Washington citing China’s alleged role in fentanyl supply chains and accusations of unfair trade practices.
In retaliation, Beijing imposed 125% counter-tariffs on American products, escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
