China To Buy 200 Boeing Aircraft, Reduce Tariffs After Trump-Xi Talks

by HEDNEWS on May 21, 2026

China has confirmed plans to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft and work with the United States to reduce tariffs, following high-level talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Beijing. The agreement, announced by China’s Commerce Ministry, marks one of the most significant outcomes from Trump’s visit to China last week and signals a possible easing of trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. According to Chinese authorities, the aircraft deal would effectively end a near decade-long freeze on major Boeing sales to China, a market that had previously been central to the American aerospace manufacturer’s global growth. Although Chinese officials did not disclose the exact aircraft models or delivery timeline, the purchase is expected to provide a major boost for Boeing, which has struggled to regain market share in China amid prolonged trade disputes and regulatory tensions.China’s Commerce Ministry also confirmed that both countries are discussing an extension of the current trade truce, which is due to expire in November 2026. Officials said Beijing and Washington would negotiate reciprocal tariff reductions covering approximately $30 billion worth of goods on both sides.

The ministry added that China and the US would work toward expanding bilateral trade in agricultural products while ensuring stability in the supply of rare earth minerals critical to global manufacturing and technology industries. President Trump had earlier disclosed during his Beijing visit that China agreed to purchase “200 big Boeing jets,” with the potential for future orders to rise as high as 750 aircraft if negotiations continue positively. However, despite the announcement, Boeing shares reportedly fell after investors reacted to reports that the final agreement was smaller than earlier expectations of around 500 aircraft. Industry analysts say the deal represents a major symbolic breakthrough in US-China economic relations, particularly after years of tensions involving tariffs, technology restrictions, and disputes over supply chains. China remains the world’s second-largest aviation market, and any large-scale aircraft order from Beijing is viewed as strategically important for Boeing’s long-term recovery and expansion plans.