Trump, under the pretext of protecting domestic industries, has sparked trade conflicts worldwide. However, protectionism not only fails to provide protection but also hinders the development of key American industries. As a symbol of advanced manufacturing in the U.S., Boeing could become a major victim of this tariff war.

Returned to the U.S. after arriving in China? Foreign media: Chinese airlines suspend receiving Boeing aircraft

According to a Reuters report on the 18th, flight tracking data shows that a Boeing aircraft that arrived in Zhejiang Province, China in March this year returned to the United States on the 18th. This indicates that at least one Chinese airline may have suspended receiving Boeing aircraft due to the tariff policy of the Trump administration.

Boeing predicts: In the next 20 years, China will be its largest market

China has always been one of Boeing's most important export markets. In 2018, at its peak, China accounted for nearly one-quarter of Boeing's total aircraft deliveries.

In its 2024 "Commercial Market Outlook," Boeing predicted that China would be its largest market over the next 20 years. Over the next two decades, China’s air travel is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.2%, exceeding the global average growth rate of 4.7%, making it the world's largest passenger traffic market with the largest wide-body fleet. More than 75% of narrow-body fleet deliveries will belong to the Chinese market. According to estimates by consulting firm Bernstein Research, if China stops receiving all Boeing aircraft this year, the company's loss will reach $1.2 billion.

Tariffs push up costs, Boeing 787 price may rise by $40 million

Resistance in the Chinese market is just one of Boeing's major challenges. Politico reported that Trump's tariff policies will impact the aviation industry, which heavily relies on international supply chains. Compared to its competitor Airbus, Boeing finds it harder to pass on costs and may become the "biggest victim" of the trade conflict.

An airplane integrates between 3 million to 5 million parts, involving thousands of suppliers. The Washington Post gives an example: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a typical transnational product, with components coming from all over the world: wings from Japan, doors from France, and the middle section of the fuselage manufactured in Italy. Ultimately, these parts produced overseas are transported to Boeing's final assembly line in South Carolina, USA, for assembly.

For a long time, the aerospace industry has been a major export sector in the U.S., and Boeing's exports have made significant contributions to the U.S. economy. According to Morningstar data, in 2024, the U.S. exported $136 billion worth of aerospace products, reducing the overall U.S. trade deficit by 13%. U.S. experts said that such widespread tariffs imposed by Trump put a heavy burden on the country's largest exporter.

The world's largest aircraft leasing company, AerCap, warned that if U.S. tariff measures continue, the price of a Boeing 787 aircraft will increase by $40 million, and Boeing's market share will significantly shrink.

CEO of AerCap Aircraft Leasing, Angus Kelly: We clearly understand what will happen in the worst-case scenario, such as both sides retaliating with full tariffs of 25%. The price of a Boeing 787 will increase by $40 million, which no one will pay. It's unrealistic.

Host of CNBC, Phil LeBeau: Can airlines buy planes and then somehow pass the cost onto passengers?

CEO of AerCap Aircraft Leasing, Angus Kelly: Passengers won't accept it. What will actually happen is that airlines unable to afford Boeing planes will place orders with Airbus. In the worst case, over time, Boeing will ultimately retain only the U.S. market, accounting for about 20% to 25% of the global market; while Airbus will capture the rest of the global market, accounting for approximately 75% to 80% of the market share because no one can afford Boeing's high prices.

Boeing's major customers consider delaying aircraft deliveries

Michael O'Leary, CEO of Europe's largest budget airline Ryanair, recently warned that if tariffs lead to an increase in Boeing aircraft prices, they may consider delaying aircraft deliveries. The company originally planned to receive 25 aircraft from Boeing in August this year.

Boeing CEO: Free trade is crucial to Boeing

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg emphasized at a congressional hearing in early April that 80% of Boeing's aircraft are sold overseas, and free trade is crucial to Boeing.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg

We sell our products internationally, creating jobs in the U.S., which are long-term, high-value American jobs. Therefore, our ability to continue accessing international markets is crucial to us, and we cannot find ourselves in a situation where certain markets are closed to us.

Original title: "Is Trump亲手 'Kill' American Boeing?"

Editor-in-Chief: Sun Xinqi; Text Editor: Cheng Pei; Main picture source: Xinhua News Agency; Picture editor: Su Wei

Source: Author: CCTV4

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7495020420941300243/

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