US Jetmaker Boeing Inopemberera Kubudirira Kwakasimba Iine 737 MAX 8 Kutumirwa kuChina, ichimaka Chirevo Chinokosha Mukuvandudzwa Kwekutengeserana.

Chipiri, June 10, 2025

The United States’ aerospace leader Boeing has resumed deliveries of its 737 MAX 8 aircraft to China, signaling a positive shift in bilateral trade dynamics after months of disruption caused by heightened tariffs. The aircraft, delivered to Xiamen Airlines via Boeing’s Zhoushan completion center, marks the first transfer since deliveries were paused in April due to escalating trade tensions. As Washington and Beijing reopen dialogue, this delivery underscores the rekindling of aviation cooperation between two of the world’s most influential economies and highlights China’s continued importance to the US commercial aircraft market.

Boeing Resumes 737 MAX 8 Deliveries to China as Trade Barriers Ease

After a pause caused by heightened trade tensions between the United States and China, Boeing has resumed deliveries of its 737 MAX 8 aircraft to Chinese carriers. The latest delivery, completed on a Monday, saw a Boeing 737 MAX 8 bearing the Xiamen Airlines livery arrive at Boeing’s Zhoushan completion and delivery center, located near Shanghai.

This development comes after Boeing was forced to halt deliveries to China in April due to increased tariffs resulting from U.S.-China trade disputes. Boeing had signaled that deliveries might resume if tariffs were temporarily suspended for a period of ninety days—a condition that now appears to have been met.

Aircraft Return and Restart of Transfers

The aircraft delivered this week was originally positioned at Boeing’s Zhoushan facility after its arrival in March. However, when Chinese carriers halted the intake of new Boeing deliveries in April, the jet was subsequently returned to the United States. Its return to Zhoushan and successful handover to Xiamen Airlines now indicates progress toward resolving the commercial deadlock.

The Boeing–Xiamen Airlines Alliance

Founded in 1984, Xiamen Airlines operates from its base in the southeastern province of Fujian and serves more than 400 domestic and international routes. The airline operates a fleet of 211 aircraft and handles nearly 40 million passengers annually. With more than 23 million members in its frequent flyer program, it stands among China’s major carriers and is a significant Boeing customer.

China represents approximately ten percent of Boeing’s commercial aircraft backlog, making it a vital market for the U.S.-based manufacturer. However, delivery activity stalled earlier this year when trade tensions reached a peak. Boeing had warned that unless tariffs were lifted or paused, Chinese airlines would not take possession of already-produced aircraft.

Even with recent setbacks, Boeing is projecting the delivery of as many as fifty new 737 MAX aircraft to Chinese airlines before the year concludes—an encouraging indication of gradually stabilizing operations.

Zhoushan: Boeing’s Strategic Delivery Hub in China

The Zhoushan completion center, established as a joint venture between Boeing and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), plays a pivotal role in finalizing aircraft deliveries for Chinese customers. While initial assembly of the 737 MAX takes place in Renton, Washington, final interior fittings and paint jobs are completed at Zhoushan before delivery.

This facility was intended to deepen cooperation with Chinese aviation stakeholders and provide a localized solution for the fast-growing market. The first aircraft completed at Zhoushan was delivered in December 2018, and Boeing has since used it as a strategic point for market access and customer service.

Growth Expectations in the Chinese Market

Boeing forecasts robust long-term growth in China’s aviation sector. By 2038, the country is expected to need roughly 7,690 new commercial aircraft, a demand valued at approximately \$1.2 trillion. This represents one of the largest projected aviation expansions globally, driven by increased domestic travel, international tourism, and economic development.

In addition to aircraft, China is also projected to contribute significantly to the global commercial aviation services market, accounting for about seventeen percent of total worldwide demand over the same timeframe.

Previous Setbacks Due to Tariff Disputes

Earlier this year, trade friction between the United States and China escalated, prompting Beijing to suspend new aircraft orders from American manufacturers and halt the delivery of previously ordered jets. In response, Boeing redirected several aircraft that had been scheduled for delivery to Chinese carriers.

For example, in April, two 737 MAX 8s intended for Xiamen Airlines were flown out of Zhoushan and back to Boeing Field in Seattle via Guam and Honolulu. Additionally, Chinese authorities instructed airlines to stop sourcing parts and aircraft-related materials from U.S. companies. Airlines like Juneyao Air even postponed delivery of widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 787-9 due to the financial implications of the imposed tariffs.

At one point, three MAX 8 jets were in final preparation stages at Zhoushan for two different Chinese airlines, though those deliveries were placed on indefinite hold.

Prospects for Trade and Aviation Collaboration

The delivery to Xiamen Airlines may signal a turning point in U.S.-China aviation relations. Representatives from both countries are expected to meet in London to discuss broader trade arrangements, and progress in those talks could further facilitate aircraft transactions.

Boeing continues to regard China as a key market for its future growth and hopes that easing tariffs and improving diplomatic relations will enable more consistent deliveries in the months ahead.

US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has resumed 737 MAX 8 deliveries to China, marking a major breakthrough in trade relations after months of tariff-related delays. The move signals renewed cooperation between two of the world’s largest aviation markets.

For now, the resumption of MAX 8 deliveries marks a cautious yet optimistic step forward—one that may set the tone for renewed aviation cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.