Boeing Recalls 737 MAX Jets Amid US-China Trade Tensions

Boeing has begun recalling 737 MAX jets originally destined for Chinese airlines amid escalating US-China trade tensions, with at least one aircraft returning to the US from the company's Zhoushan completion center in China. Chinese authorities have instructed major carriers to halt new Boeing jet deliveries and restrict purchases of US-made aircraft parts, significantly disrupting Boeing’s access to a market that represents a substantial portion of its projected global demand. This development follows the US imposing steep tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to retaliate by suspending aircraft orders and equipment purchases from American suppliers. The Zhoushan facility, once a symbol of US-China cooperation, now faces uncertainty as more jets await potential recall or storage. These actions highlight the deepening intersection of global aviation and international politics, creating long-term uncertainty for Boeing’s international strategy. Industry sources note that hundreds of planned deliveries and billions of dollars in contracts are at stake as the trade dispute continues.