Donald Trump has suggested Boeing should “default on China” due to its refusal to accept previously ordered aircraft.
“This situation illustrates just a fraction of what China has been doing to the United States over the years,” Trump commented in a post on Truth Social.
Boeing is now considering reselling potentially dozens of aircraft initially meant for Chinese customers, halted due to tariffs. This decision follows the return of a third aircraft to the U.S., choosing not to store the plane indefinitely without confirmed buyers.
The planemaker’s actions are part of broader measures to conserve cash and reduce debt by selling portions of its services division.
In a rare public move, Boeing discussed the possibility of reselling these aircraft during an analyst call on Wednesday, emphasising strong market interest.
“We have customers reaching out, requesting additional planes,” said Brian West, Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer, highlighting a tight aviation market. Such negotiations are typically conducted privately.
“Because of the tariffs, many customers in China have expressed their unwillingness to take delivery,” explained Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s Chief Executive.
Industry experts view these remarks as signaling both Beijing and Washington about the costly impact of the ongoing trade conflict between the two largest global economies, which is significantly disrupting airline operations and complicating Boeing’s recovery from recent setbacks.
