Pilotcenter.net News reported that the recent ban on Boeing jet deliveries to Chinese customers has seemingly come to a temporary halt following a de-escalation of trade tensions between the US and China. The breakthrough occurred with an agreement reached on May 12, 2025, to significantly reduce tariffs between the two economic powerhouses, granting a green light for US-made aircraft deliveries to resume to Chinese airlines.

The momentary ceasefire in the bitter tariff war saw the US slashing tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30% and China reciprocating by reducing tariffs on US imports from 125% to 10%. Although the tariff reductions are slated to last for 90 days, there remain certain imports excluded from this agreement.

The dispute erupted when the US imposed hefty tax increases on numerous countries, including China, on April 2, 2025. Despite many nations choosing not to retaliate to avoid exacerbating the situation, China retaliated by imposing its own set of tariff boosts on US imports, sparking a tit-for-tat exchange.

Amidst the trade tensions, at least three Boeing-made jets earmarked for Chinese airlines were returned to the US in a bid to navigate the ongoing conflict. Notably, a 737 MAX, with registration N230BE, journeyed back from Boeing's Zhoushan completion center to Boeing Field in Seattle on April 20, 2025. Another 737 MAX 8, registered as N242BE and intended for Xiamen Airlines, also made its return to Boeing after its departure from the Zhoushan facility.

Interestingly, various airlines, including Air India, expressed their interest in acquiring any surplus new aircraft rejected by Chinese carriers due to the trade impasse. The recent developments have provided a glimmer of hope for the aviation industry amid the turbulent trade environment.