Boeing CFO Warns of US$150 Million Impact from Trump-Era Tariffs

Boeing has voiced concerns about the economic effects of tariffs imposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump. Chief Financial Officer Brian West highlighted that the aerospace company is particularly troubled by the potential impact on the availability of components from its suppliers.

Speaking at a Bank of America industrials conference, West detailed the financial implications for Boeing, estimating a $150 million hit to the company's first-quarter 2025 earnings. Despite these challenges, he assured that Boeing currently has a sufficient inventory of parts.

"Our immediate concern is the availability of parts from suppliers, but we have enough inventory for now," West stated.

Aircraft production remains a key priority for Boeing, with a backlog of more than 5,000 orders. Most of these are for the 737 MAX, the company’s best-selling model. West noted that deliveries of the narrow-body aircraft in March are expected to match February’s figures of 32 units.

Boeing is also focused on stabilizing production of the 737 and 787 models, which have faced disruptions due to quality issues and supply chain challenges.

"We continue making progress in stabilizing production," West told investors.

Meanwhile, Tesla has expressed similar concerns about trade restrictions affecting its operations. In a letter to the US Trade Representative (USTR), the electric vehicle manufacturer warned that retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports could harm its sales. While Tesla did not disclose specific details, it acknowledged the potential for financial strain stemming from current trade policies.

Although Boeing does not expect an immediate impact on the demand for passenger aircraft, ongoing supply chain disruptions could affect production schedules.