China Halts Boeing Jet Deliveries Amid Retaliation To US Tariffs, Deepens Trade Tensions

China has instructed its airlines to halt all further deliveries of Boeing aircraft, in retaliation to the United States imposing tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods, according to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter.

The report also noted that Chinese airlines have been told to refrain from purchasing aircraft parts or equipment from American companies.

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Additionally, the Chinese government is reportedly considering offering support to airlines that lease Boeing aircraft and are now facing increased costs due to the situation, the Bloomberg article said.

The new US tariffs are expected to more than double the cost of American-manufactured planes and parts, effectively pricing Boeing aircraft out of the market for Chinese carriers.

The growing economic tensions between the world's two largest economies have put Boeing in a precarious position.

However, the situation remains fluid and may evolve quickly. Historically, similar tariff actions by the US - such as those on Apple iPhones produced in China - have been reversed.

According to the Aviation Flights Group, around 10 Boeing 737 Max aircraft are set to be added to Chinese airline fleets, including two each for China Southern Airlines, Air China, and Xiamen Airlines.

Some of these jets are stationed near Boeing's Seattle facility, while others are located at a completion centre in Zhoushan, eastern China.

The report suggests that some of these aircraft may have already completed their necessary paperwork and payments prior to China's tariffs, announced on 11 April and implemented on 12 April.

Those aircraft might still be permitted into China, depending on how the situation unfolds.

China's Civil Aviation Administration did not respond to a faxed request for comment. Boeing, China Southern, Air China, and Xiamen Airlines have also not provided any statements.