China has been grounding Boeing 737 MAX aircraft since 2019. Airbus has responded by suspending deliveries amid trade tensions over tariffs.

China is keeping its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft grounded. According to estimates, this suspension could cost the company up to $2,5 billion. The crash in Ethiopia triggered this decision. Despite the model's revalidation by the United States and Europe, Beijing refuses to lift the ban. Boeing is thus losing a key market, with 118 aircraft grounded.

Airbus, its main competitor, took advantage of the situation. But the European aircraft manufacturer is now suspending deliveries to China. 179 aircraft are affected. The reason: a disagreement over customs duties. Beijing imposes taxes on aircraft weighing more than 45 tons, particularly targeting the A330-neo.

Trade tensions between Europe and China are worsening. Brussels has raised taxes on Chinese electric cars. Beijing is responding with targeted measures. Negotiations are stalling, blocking Airbus deliveries.

The consequences are dire for both manufacturers. Boeing is seeing its sales plummet in China. Airbus, despite its successes, must manage this blockage. The rapidly growing Chinese aeronautics market remains highly contested. Economic and political issues complicate the resolution of the conflict.