Quick Read
- Boeing is nearing a deal for 500 737 MAX jets with China.
- The agreement could be announced during President Trump’s visit to Beijing (March 31-April 2, 2026).
- Discussions also include about 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X widebody aircraft.
- The deal would end a lengthy order drought from China, the world’s second-largest aviation market.
- Boeing’s shares saw a significant jump following reports of the potential order.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Boeing is reportedly nearing a monumental agreement with China for the purchase of approximately 500 737 MAX aircraft, with a potential announcement coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing from March 31 to April 2, 2026. This anticipated deal, one of the largest in Boeing’s history, could mark the end of a prolonged order drought from the world’s second-biggest aviation market, signaling a significant thaw in aviation trade relations amidst ongoing geopolitical complexities.
Sources familiar with the confidential discussions, cited by Bloomberg and Financial Times, indicate that the two nations are in advanced talks, with the potential agreement extending beyond the initial 737 MAX commitment. This development comes as President Trump prepares for his first state visit to China since 2017, aiming to solidify economic accords.
Major Aircraft Order Hinges on Trump-Xi Summit
The centerpiece of the discussions is a substantial order for 500 Boeing 737 MAX jets, a move that would significantly bolster Boeing’s order book. Additionally, negotiations are underway for a separate widebody sale, which could include approximately 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft. While the 737 MAX deal is expected to be a highlight of the upcoming Trump-Xi summit, the widebody agreement might be unveiled at a later date, according to reports.
The US head of state plans to visit China from March 31 to April 2, 2026, for the meeting, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to pay a reciprocal visit to Washington later in the year. The potential aircraft sales are set to feature prominently in broader trade discussions between the two leaders, underscoring President Trump’s strategy of leveraging US manufacturers, particularly Boeing, in international trade agreements.
Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Dynamics
Despite the optimism surrounding the potential deal, sources cautioned that the agreement is not entirely assured, given the fraught geopolitical backdrop. Previous attempts to finalize similar agreements in 2023 and the preceding year did not materialize. The US is reportedly pushing for a firm commitment rather than merely a headline-grabbing dollar value, indicating a desire for concrete trade outcomes.
Beyond aircraft sales, the US and China are also engaged in complex negotiations over other aviation-related issues. These include US restrictions on exports of engines and critical technology essential for China’s domestically produced Comac C919 jetliner, a direct competitor to Boeing’s 737. China has been advocating for the Trump Administration to permit aviation suppliers like GE Aerospace, Honeywell International, and RTX to increase shipments of components needed for the C919’s manufacture. Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape remains tense, with reports suggesting President Trump’s trip could be postponed amidst the ongoing war with Iran, adding another layer of uncertainty to the summit.
Boeing’s Market Position and Chinese Demand
The potential mega-order is crucial for Boeing, which has faced a lengthy drought in new orders from China, a market vital for its growth. As of February 27, Boeing had only 134 unfilled aircraft orders directly from China, though it also held 875 orders from unidentified customers, a category that sometimes includes unannounced deals with Chinese clients. Chinese airlines are eager to secure Western-made aircraft to support their ambitious growth plans, especially at a time when global supply chains are constrained.
News of the potential deal has already positively impacted Boeing’s stock, with shares jumping as much as 4 percent following initial reports. This surge made Boeing the best performer on the 30-member Dow Jones Industrial Average index on Friday in New York. While the stock later cooled slightly, it remained up 3.9% from its previous close, trading near its 52-week high from January 2026, according to The Globe and Mail.
This potential mega-deal underscores the intricate dance between global commerce and geopolitical strategy, highlighting how major economic agreements, such as this one for Boeing, often become central to broader international relations and trade negotiations, despite underlying tensions.