Boeing 737 MAX Jets Flown Back From China Amid Tariff Tensions

SINGAPORE—Boeing 737-8 aircraft originally destined for China have been flown back to the U.S., as trade tensions continue to mount between Washington and Beijing.

At least two 737-8s intended for Xiamen Airlines have departed Boeing’s Zhoushan Completion and Delivery Center since April 18, en route to the continental U.S.

Which party made the decision to return the aircraft remains unconfirmed. Boeing has not yet responded to Aviation Week's request for comment.

The first aircraft, painted in Xiamen Airlines livery, was reported by Bloomberg to have left Zhoushan for Guam, going on to arrive in Seattle on April 20 after transiting through Hawaii. Flight tracking data confirms the aircraft, serial number 64680, is registered as N230BE.

A second 737-8, registered as N242BE and bearing serial number 64677, departed Zhoushan on April 21. Aviation Week’s Fleet Discovery database indicates this aircraft was also slated for Xiamen Airlines.

The returns follow a report that Chinese authorities have instructed domestic airlines to cease taking delivery of Boeing jets. This move came in the wake of a new round of tariff reciprocations, with Washington imposing a 145% duty on Chinese goods, to which Beijing responded with a 125% tariff.

The Zhoushan facility, a joint venture between Boeing and Comac, exclusively handles 737 MAX-family aircraft for Chinese customers. It is responsible for final interiors installation and exterior painting prior to delivery. 

Juneyao Air has also reportedly postponed the handover of a 787-9.

Aviation Week Network’s fleet forecast projects that Boeing will deliver 44 aircraft to Chinese customers in 2025, the majority of which are expected to be 737-8s and 737-9s. Chinese airlines have a total of 295 737 MAX-family aircraft on order, including 39 737-8s and 10 737-10s for Xiamen Airlines.

The 737 MAX continues to play a role in the complex dynamic between Washington and Beijing. China was the first country to ground the model in March 2019 following two fatal crashes. The ban remained in place until January 2023, when China Southern Airlines resumed commercial operations with a 737-8. That same month marked the first post-ban delivery of a new 737-8 from Boeing to a Chinese carrier.