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Boeing says it remains shielded from immediate tariff impacts due to inventory levels

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Boeing says it remains shielded from immediate tariff impacts due to inventory levels
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Brian West Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Vice President of Boeing | Boeing

On March 19, Brian West, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Vice President of Boeing, addressed concerns about tariffs during the Bank of America Global Industrials Conference. West said that Boeing is not immediately worried about the impact of tariffs, partly due to its pre- accumulated inventory before President Donald Trump's trade policies took effect.

West emphasized that the Trump administration recognizes the significance of the U.S. aviation industry to the national economy. "It is also important to understand that 80% of our commercial spending and over 90% of our defense spending in our supply chain is US-based," he said.

Boeing sources nearly all its aluminum and steel domestically, with these materials comprising only around 1% or 2% of an aircraft's cost. Given current inventory levels and hedging strategies, West noted that cost exposure to tariffs remains minimal.

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"What we do worry about is the availability of parts because this is a broad, complicated supply chain," West added. He stressed the importance of transparency within the supply chain to avoid suboptimal decisions.

Related:

- Aircraft Leasing Executive Says Tariffs Could Cause Boeing's Prices To Increase By $40 Million

Delivering aircraft to U.S. customers first

West highlighted Boeing's $500 million backlog as versatile and robust, accommodating various customers across different jurisdictions. Following a recent increase in steel and aluminum tariffs from 10% to 25% by the Trump administration due to national security concerns, West noted their flexibility in meeting customer needs.

"So, we think we have got enough room to breathe... But right now, from what we see, there is not a material impact on either side," he said.

When asked if Boeing could prioritize deliveries for U.S.-based airlines, West acknowledged this possibility thanks to their large backlog. According to filings, out of 6,197 unfilled gross orders,1 ,634 are assigned to U.S.-based customers including leasing companies; most notably among them are1 ,322737 MA X aircraft orders.

Related:

- Canada's Air Transat Cautious Over Impact Of Trump's Tariffs

Clearing the backlog

Clearing Boeing's backlog presents challenges following post-door plug blowout effects which led Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limits on monthly737 MA X production per month at38 units.

West reported approval for six Key Performance Indicators(KPIs): reworks, notice of escapes traveled work supplier shortages employee training ticketing- measuring factory stability following strikes which affected operations

"[...] That is starting to show real dividends as we start thinking about re- starting production line moving towards our path38 per month The factory looks fantastic "

However Sean Duffy Secretary Transportation who visited Renton Washington site stated FAA would lift cap once quality assurance ensured pointing out current production below limit despite January February deliveries totaling71 including pre- strike builds

Related:

- USDOT Secretary Duffy Tours Boeing Factory

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