According to industry analysis, former President Trump's upcoming visit to China may lead to significant new orders for Boeing. Reports suggest China is considering purchasing approximately 500 Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body aircraft, along with around 100 wide-body jets, primarily 787 Dreamliners, potentially including some 777X models. Based on list prices, the total value of the deal could exceed $50 billion, though actual transaction prices are expected to be substantially lower due to significant discounts.
This aligns with earlier Bloomberg reports indicating China plans to buy 600 Boeing aircraft. If finalized, this would mark China's first large-scale procurement of Boeing planes since 2017, when a $37 billion agreement for 300 aircraft was reached during Trump's first visit. However, subsequent trade tensions, tariff disputes, and regulatory delays caused major delivery postponements and partial cancellations.
Industry analysts suggest any new agreement would feature more flexible terms and reduced political maneuvering. An unnamed Beijing-based aviation analyst commented, "Both sides now have stronger incentives to cooperate. Chinese airlines need to modernize aging fleets; Boeing urgently requires new orders to stabilize production and restore investor confidence; and Trump seeks tangible economic achievements from his visit."
Post-pandemic, China's aviation market has rebounded strongly, but domestic carriers operate older fleets averaging about 10 years, compared to European airlines' 7-year average. Replacing older, less efficient aircraft has become imperative. While Airbus A320neo and A350 models are alternatives, Boeing's 737 MAX and 787 remain key options.
Despite progress in China's domestic aviation manufacturing, with the C919 passenger jet now in commercial service, engine-related constraints limit its production capacity and global competitiveness against the 737 MAX. The global aviation and business communities are closely watching the upcoming Sino-US leadership meeting, anticipating whether historic Boeing orders will materialize as Trump arrives in Beijing.