At the time of writing, the United States and China are engaged in a tariff trade war, resulting in significant economic tensions between the two countries. Tariffs have drastically increased to 125% and 145%, which effectively removed Boeing from the Chinese market. Chinese airlines, instructed by their government, have decided to pause Boeing deliveries due to the steep tariffs.
"Boeing's biggest issue is a lack of cash," said AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly, highlighting the financial strains the company is experiencing. To alleviate these financial problems, Boeing needs to sell planes, but these sales depend on obtaining the FAA-type certifications. Unfulfilled orders from China account for a significant portion of Boeing’s backlog, which includes 130 total orders for aircraft and 96 specifically for the 737 MAX model.
Reports indicate that Chinese air carriers have halted future deliveries. One instance included a completed Boeing MAX, initially stationed near Shanghai, that was returned to the United States without a handover.