Beijing, Apr 16: The ongoing US-China trade war took a new turn as Beijing reportedly directed its airlines to stop taking deliveries of Boeing jets, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The move comes as tensions escalate between the world’s two largest economies. Since US President Donald Trump assumed office, both sides have imposed steep tariffs — with Washington now charging up to 145% on Chinese imports. In retaliation, Beijing has slapped a 125% duty on goods from the US, denouncing Washington’s actions as economic “bullying.”
According to Bloomberg, Chinese authorities have also ordered airlines to suspend purchases of US-made aircraft parts and related equipment. The decision is likely to raise operational costs for Chinese carriers that lease Boeing aircraft, prompting the government to consider offering them financial support.
The suspension could deal a blow to Boeing, which has faced mounting challenges globally. Both Boeing and China’s Foreign Ministry have yet to comment officially.
Meanwhile, the US recently announced tariff exemptions on certain high-tech products, including semiconductors, smartphones, and computers — though tensions with Beijing remain unresolved.