Overview

• A Boeing 737 MAX jet painted for Xiamen Airlines returned to Seattle after being stranded at a Chinese completion center due to new tariffs.
• The jet's return marks the first visible reversal of deliveries following the U.S. raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 145% and China's retaliation with 125% duties on U.S. goods.
• The aerospace industry, which previously operated under duty-free agreements, faces significant disruptions as Chinese airlines consider deferring deliveries rather than paying steep tariffs.
• Boeing's recovery from a nearly five-year import freeze on 737 MAX jets is now threatened by the renewed trade conflict, with multiple jets stranded in limbo.
• Uncertainty over tariff responsibilities and shifting trade policies has left future aircraft handovers unclear, further straining the global aerospace supply chain.