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Beijing/Seattle — Boeing Co. is nearing a landmark agreement to sell as many as 500 commercial aircraft to China, in what could become one of the largest aviation deals of the decade. The potential transaction, still under negotiation, would mark a significant breakthrough in U.S.–China trade relations and end a prolonged sales freeze that dates back to former President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing in 2017.
Sources familiar with the matter say the deal remains contingent on the two nations diffusing longstanding trade hostilities that originated during Trump’s first term. While progress has been made, the agreement could still unravel if diplomatic or economic tensions resurface.
Scope and Strategic Importance
The proposed sale includes a mix of aircraft types and delivery schedules, which are still being finalized. Chinese officials have begun consulting domestic airlines to assess fleet requirements and determine the volume of aircraft needed. The deal is expected to mirror a similarly sized order for up to 500 jets that China’s central planners have reportedly arranged with Airbus SE, though that agreement has yet to be publicly confirmed.
If completed, the Boeing transaction would represent China’s first major purchase of U.S.-made aircraft in nearly eight years and signal a renewed openness in bilateral trade. It would also provide Boeing with a critical opportunity to regain market share in China, where it has lagged behind Airbus amid regulatory setbacks and geopolitical friction.
A Deal Years in the Making
Negotiations between Boeing and Chinese authorities have been ongoing for several years, complicated by tariffs, export restrictions, and the grounding of the 737 MAX following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Boeing’s last major order from China was announced during Trump’s 2017 state visit, when the company secured commitments for 300 aircraft valued at $37 billion.
Since then, Boeing has faced challenges in reestablishing its presence in the Chinese market, including a temporary halt in deliveries and heightened scrutiny from regulators. The potential new order would help Boeing reduce its inventory of undelivered aircraft and restore its position in one of the world’s largest aviation markets.
Outlook and Implications
While Boeing has declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations, industry analysts view the deal as a possible turning point in U.S.–China commercial relations. The sale could also serve as a cornerstone of a broader trade agreement, with implications extending beyond aviation to sectors such as technology, energy, and manufacturing.
Shares of Boeing rose modestly following reports of the talks, reflecting investor optimism about the company’s prospects in China. However, the final outcome will depend on continued diplomatic engagement and the resolution of key trade issues.
If successful, the deal would not only mark a commercial milestone for Boeing but also signal a thaw in one of the most consequential economic relationships of the modern era.
For further details, see Bloomberg’s coverage of the Boeing–China negotiations.
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