SEATTLE, USA – A Boeing 737 MAX jet intended for Chinese airline Xiamen Airlines was forced to return to the United States, highlighting the growing consequences of the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China.
The jet, which had been waiting at Boeing’s Zhoushan completion center in China for final modifications and delivery, made a 5,000-mile journey back to Seattle after Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods soared to 145%.
The plane, painted with Xiamen Airlines’ livery, landed at Boeing Field on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 6:11 p.m. local time.
The jet had made refueling stops in Guam and Hawaii on its return journey.
This particular aircraft, along with several other 737 MAX jets, was slated for delivery to Chinese carriers, but the heavy tariffs now threaten to undermine those deliveries.
The 737 MAX, Boeing‘s flagship model, has a market value of around $55 million, which means the additional tariffs would add a significant financial burden to Chinese airlines.
With the Chinese government imposing a 125% tariff on U.S. goods in retaliation for the U.S. tariff hikes, it is uncertain whether airlines will be willing to take delivery of new Boeing jets under such conditions.
It remains unclear whether the decision to return the aircraft was made by Boeing, Xiamen Airlines, or both parties involved.
Both Boeing and Xiamen Airlines did not immediately respond to inquiries from Reuters.
This development is another sign of how the trade war between the U.S. and China is disrupting global business.
The aerospace industry, known for its duty-free status over the years, is now facing uncertainties as tariff changes continue to evolve.
As trade tensions intensify, some airline CEOs are considering deferring the delivery of aircraft rather than accepting planes burdened by tariffs.
The return of the 737 MAX also comes as Boeing is attempting to recover from a nearly five-year hiatus on the aircraft following safety issues.
