Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) shares gained 2.13% to $215.29 following news that a new 737 MAX landed in China for delivery, marking the resumption of aircraft deliveries to Chinese customers after a suspension in April due to escalating tariff tensions. The delivery signals improving trade relations as Beijing and Washington temporarily scale back tariffs for 90 days.
Boeing’s China Delivery Resumption After Tariff Suspension
A Boeing 737 MAX painted in Xiamen Airlines livery successfully landed at Boeing’s Zhoushan completion center near Shanghai on Monday, marking the first delivery to Chinese customers since April. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft had originally been ferried to Zhoushan in March before returning to the United States in mid-April when Chinese airlines stopped accepting new Boeing aircraft due to tariff escalation.
The plane departed Seattle on Saturday, making refueling stops in Hawaii and Guam during its Pacific crossing. Boeing had previously stated that customers in China would not take delivery due to tariffs, forcing the company to look at reselling potentially dozens of aircraft.
China represents approximately 10% of Boeing’s commercial backlog and serves as a crucial growth market for the aerospace giant.
The company had planned for 50 jets to go to Chinese carriers during the rest of 2025, with 41 aircraft either in production or pre-built when deliveries were suspended. At least three 737 MAX jets were repatriated to the United States from Zhoushan in April, where they had been receiving final preparations before delivery to Chinese carriers.
Despite wanting to reduce inventory, Boeing had not redirected these aircraft to other markets, instead holding them during the trade dispute resolution process.
BA Stock Gains as Trade War Shows Signs of Easing
Boeing stock closed at $215.29, up 2.13% on the delivery news, with the company showing strong YTD performance of 21.74% compared to the S&P 500’s 2.07% gain.
The stock trades with a market cap of $162.47B and has demonstrated resilience despite ongoing financial challenges including negative earnings of -$17.96 per share and negative free cash flow of -$7.94B. With analyst price targets ranging from $140-$260 and an average target of $216.53, the resumption of Chinese deliveries could help Boeing address its substantial backlog and improve cash flow generation.
The 90-day tariff scaling provides a window for both sides to negotiate a broader trade agreement, with representatives from China and the United States scheduled to meet in London to discuss trade relations.