China lifts ban on Boeing deliveries amid trade thaw
According to the Japanese broadcaster NHK, the Chinese authorities have informed national carriers that they can once again receive aircraft ordered from the American company Boeing. The ban introduced in April on receiving aircraft from this company was a response to the escalation of the trade war between China and the U.S.
Bloomberg reported in April that China took action directly targeting Boeing, a leading American aircraft manufacturer, by banning Chinese airlines from receiving ordered aircraft and placing new orders.
This came after U.S. President Donald Trump decided to impose tariffs totalling 145% on imports of goods from China. Beijing responded with a 125% tariff and non-tariff measures.
On Monday, both parties, the world's greatest economic powers, announced a 90-day reduction from May 14 of tariffs on imports of Chinese goods to the U.S. to 30% and a 10% decrease of tariffs on American goods brought into China.
Resumption of deliveries will include 50 aircraft
Bloomberg revealed on Tuesday that the Chinese authorities issued guidelines for resuming the delivery of Boeing aircraft. As noted by the agency, the resumption of deliveries, covering about 50 jets this year, is an immediate relief for Boeing, which will not have to look for new buyers.
However, the decision may be short-lived if the tariff dispute is unresolved within three months. In recent years, Boeing has struggled with the lack of large orders from China due to trade tensions and issues such as the grounding of the 737 Max model.
