US Eases Export Curbs, Resumes Aerospace Deliveries to China

The United States has approved the resumption of aircraft component exports to China, allowing American aerospace firms, including GE Aerospace, to once again supply key parts. Boeing has also resumed aircraft deliveries to Chinese airlines, marking a notable easing in US-China trade tensions.

According to sources, the US government has relaxed restrictions on certain aviation components critical to China's domestically developed C919 passenger jet. This policy shift is expected to help sustain production of the aircraft.

In June, the US Department of Commerce had suspended export licenses for some American suppliers involved in the C919 program. Despite the temporary disruption, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) managed to maintain its delivery schedule due to sufficient inventory reserves.

The C919 remains heavily dependent on US-made systems, including the LEAP-1C engine—jointly produced by GE Aerospace and France's Safran—which requires US export approval. Other major components supplied by US companies include Honeywell's auxiliary power unit, flight control systems, wheels and brakes, and navigation equipment.

Sources also revealed that three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and one Boeing 787, previously returned to the US in April amid trade friction, have now been delivered to Chinese carriers.

Since mid-May, Chinese airlines have benefited from a 90-day grace period following progress in bilateral trade talks. During this window, carriers continue to pay reduced import tariffs—5% on narrow-body aircraft and 1% on wide-body models.

China remains Boeing's largest international market. In 2018, one in four Boeing aircraft deliveries went to Chinese customers. According to Cirium fleet data, Boeing has delivered 20 aircraft to China so far this year, with 29 more scheduled before year-end.