China Halts Boeing Deliveries Over Tariffs: CEO Says He Won't Let It 'Derail The Recovery'

Boeing Co. BA CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed on Wednesday that China has stopped taking delivery of Boeing aircraft due to escalating trade tensions and high tariffs between the U.S. and China.

The Details: Ortberg said in an interview with CNBC that several Boeing 737 MAX jets that were in China awaiting delivery have been flown back to the U.S. 

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Boeing is now considering reallocating planes originally intended for Chinese carriers to other customers. Ortberg said there is strong demand for the 737 MAX from other airlines and that Boeing will not delay in remarketing the planes. 

"There's plenty of customers out there looking for the Max aircraft," Ortberg said. "We're not going to wait too long. I'm not going to let this derail the recovery of our company."

The halt in Boeing's China deliveries comes after President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%. China retaliated with 125% tariffs on U.S.-made goods, including aircraft, which made Boeing planes significantly less affordable for Chinese customers. 

Q1 Results: Boeing posted a smaller-than-expected loss for the first quarter and reported improved cash flow and increased deliveries, signaling a recovery for the troubled aircraft company. 

Commercial Airplanes segment revenue rose 75% year-over-year to $8.157 billion and the company plans to boost production of the 737 MAX to 38 units per month this year.  

“We continue to execute our plan, are seeing early positive results and remain committed to making the fundamental changes needed to fully recover the company’s performance while navigating the current environment,” Ortberg said in prepared remarks released with the quarterly results. 

BA Price Action: According to Benzinga Pro, Boeing stock was up 6% at $172.36 at the time of publication Wednesday. 

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