Overview

• A Boeing 737 MAX jet painted for China's Xiamen Airlines landed in Seattle on April 20, with a second jet en route from Zhoushan, China, as delivery disruptions escalate.
• The U.S. raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to impose a 125% tariff on U.S. goods, making aircraft deliveries financially unfeasible for Chinese airlines.
• Bloomberg reported that Chinese airlines were instructed to halt Boeing deliveries, though this claim was disputed by China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
• Malaysia Aviation Group is in talks with Boeing to acquire delivery slots vacated by Chinese airlines, potentially expediting its fleet modernization plans.
• The situation highlights the fragility of global aerospace supply chains, with analysts warning of widespread delivery deferrals and continued uncertainty for Boeing and its customers.