Boeing Eyes 500-Jet China Deal Amid US-China Talks

Boeing is in talks to sell up to 500 aircraft to China, Bloomberg News reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The potential deal would be China’s first major Boeing purchase since President Donald Trump’s administration and could play a key role in ongoing US-China trade negotiations.

Negotiations reportedly cover jet models, types, and delivery schedules, with Chinese officials consulting domestic airlines on fleet requirements. Boeing declined to comment, saying, “We do not comment on speculation.”

The potential sale comes as Boeing seeks to regain market share in China, the world’s second-largest aviation market, where US-China trade tensions have slowed orders in recent years. A successful deal would also help Boeing close the gap with European rival Airbus, which has expanded its presence in China.

Sources told Bloomberg that a long-term trade agreement may be needed for the sale to proceed. Recently, both countries have implemented and suspended tariffs on various products while pursuing a broader resolution.

Boeing’s push for aircraft orders coincides with diplomatic visits that include commercial agreements. Earlier this year, the company reached record deals in the Middle East, including 160 widebody jets for Qatar Airways, with options for 50 more, and GE Aerospace engines. In Saudi Arabia, state-owned lessor AviLease ordered 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with options for 10 additional units.

China’s last major Boeing purchase was in 2017, when Beijing committed to 300 jets valued at over US$37 billion. Since then, Boeing has faced setbacks, including production delays and quality control issues. In January 2024, a 737 MAX fuselage panel exploded, following two fatal crashes of the model in 2018 and 2019.