Trade War Escalates: Boeing 737 MAX Returns from China Due to Trump’s Tariffs

The trade war between the U.S. and China continues to escalate, as a passenger Boeing 737 MAX destined for China has returned to the U.S. due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The aircraft, originally intended for Xiamen Airlines, landed at Boeing Field in Seattle according to Reuters, adding another layer to the ongoing tariff conflict. After an approximately 8,000-kilometer journey with stops in Guam and Hawaii for refueling, the plane touched down at King County Airport in Seattle. This particular 737 MAX was among many awaiting final assembly at Boeing’s completion facility in Zhoushan, China, before delivery to Chinese airlines. A Chinese airline accepting a new Boeing aircraft could face significant tariff costs, given that a new 737 MAX has a market value of around $55 million. The return of the 737 MAX, Boeing’s most successful model, highlights disruptions in new aircraft deliveries caused by the collapse of the long-standing tax-free regime for the aerospace industry.