Trump Accuses China of Backing Out on Major Boeing Deal Amid Rising Trade Tensions

Washington, D.C. – U.S.-China relations took another hit this week as former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that China has reneged on a significant Boeing deal. The allegation comes amid a new wave of tariffs and growing friction between the world’s two largest economies.

China Halts Boeing Jet Deliveries, Says Report

The controversy stems from a Bloomberg report which revealed that Beijing had instructed Chinese airlines to pause taking deliveries of Boeing aircraft. The same report also mentioned that China had told its carriers to halt purchases of aircraft-related equipment and parts from American suppliers.

Shortly after, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express frustration over the move, stating:

“Interestingly, they just reneged on the big Boeing deal, saying that they will ‘not take possession’ of fully committed to aircraft.”

Though he did not provide specific details about the agreement in question, his message strongly suggests that the deal was significant, and its suspension could have far-reaching implications.

A Blow to U.S. Aerospace Industry

Boeing, one of America’s top exporters and a symbol of the country’s manufacturing prowess, has long relied on China as a major customer. A freeze on deliveries from such a large market could be a serious blow—not only to Boeing’s order books but also to the broader U.S. aerospace sector.

So far, Boeing has declined to comment on the report, and China’s Foreign Ministry has remained silent on the matter.

On Tuesday morning, Boeing shares dipped approximately 1.5%, reflecting investor concerns over a potential fallout from the halted deal.

Trump’s Trade Offensive: Tariffs and Tough Talk

Since returning to the presidency in early 2025, Trump has ramped up trade measures against several countries. But no nation has drawn his ire more than China. In a sweeping policy shift, Trump has imposed an additional 145% tariff on many Chinese imports, a dramatic escalation in a trade conflict that has simmered for years.

Alongside these, the administration introduced a 10% “baseline” tariff on goods from many other trading partners, signaling a broader protectionist approach.

While Trump’s administration has allowed for certain exemptions—particularly on tech products like smartphones, laptops, and semiconductors—many Chinese goods remain heavily taxed. The new tariffs come on top of earlier levies Trump imposed during his first term, some of which were linked to concerns over China’s role in the global fentanyl supply chain.

Echoes of the Phase One Trade Deal

Trump’s frustration also seems rooted in the past. In the same Truth Social post, he accused China of failing to meet commitments made under an earlier trade agreement—likely the Phase One trade deal brokered during his first term.

“They only bought a portion of what they agreed to buy,” Trump said, claiming that China had shown “zero respect” for the Biden administration, which succeeded him in 2021.

The Phase One deal was designed to pause the escalating tariff war between the two nations. Under it, China pledged to increase its purchase of U.S. goods and services, including agricultural products, energy, and aircraft. But critics, including Trump, argue that Beijing failed to live up to its promises.

U.S. Farmers Caught in the Crossfire

Trump also addressed the impact of the trade war on American agriculture, a sector that has often found itself at the center of U.S.-China disputes. China’s retaliation to U.S. tariffs has frequently targeted American farm goods, ranging from soybeans to pork.

“Our farmers are always put on the front line with adversaries like China,” Trump said, adding that he remains committed to protecting American agriculture from trade-related fallout.

Indeed, retaliatory Chinese tariffs have already begun affecting key U.S. exports, and there are signs that more countermeasures may follow if tensions continue to escalate.

Boeing and the Bigger Picture

While the Boeing deal itself is a significant business issue, it also serves as a microcosm of the broader and increasingly fraught U.S.-China relationship. Aerospace, technology, and agriculture have all been pulled into the geopolitical tug-of-war between the two nations, each one impacting not only companies but also workers, consumers, and global markets.

The suspension of Boeing deliveries could also impact diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations. With high-level talks reportedly being planned, such moves may raise the stakes even further.

What Comes Next?

As of now, the situation remains fluid. Trump’s administration is continuing its aggressive trade posture, and China appears to be responding in kind. Whether the Boeing deal can be revived—or if the two countries can chart a more cooperative course—remains to be seen.

One thing is clear: the trade war between the U.S. and China is far from over. And with billions of dollars, countless jobs, and global supply chains hanging in the balance, the outcome will have ripple effects far beyond the boardrooms of Boeing and the halls of Beijing.