Boeing in Talks to Sell Up to 500 Aircraft to China

Boeing is in talks with China to sell up to 500 aircraft, according to Bloomberg sources. The discussions are ongoing, with details such as jet models and types still being finalized. The potential deal could boost Boeing's shares, which rose 1.5% premarket.

Boeing Co. is reportedly in advanced discussions with China to sell as many as 500 aircraft, according to sources cited by Bloomberg [1]. The negotiations, which are still in the final stages, involve determining the types and volumes of jet models, as well as delivery schedules. Chinese officials have already started consulting domestic airlines about their Boeing aircraft needs, signaling a potential large-scale order [1].

The potential deal could significantly boost Boeing's sales, particularly in the critical Chinese market, which has been strained due to trade tensions since 2017. The deal could also represent a major breakthrough for Boeing, as it would end a sales drought that has persisted since the Trump administration's last visit to China in 2017 [1]. If finalized, the agreement would be similar in scope to an order for up to 500 jets that China has arranged with Airbus, but has not yet announced publicly [1].

The Boeing stock rose 1.5% premarket on Thursday following the Bloomberg report [1]. The stock has been on an upward trajectory this year, rising 27% under the leadership of CEO Kelly Ortberg [1]. The potential mega-order would be the centerpiece of a trade agreement that could benefit both the U.S. and China, potentially narrowing trade imbalances between the two nations [1].

However, the deal is not guaranteed. The negotiations are contingent on resolving ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and there is a possibility that the talks could collapse [1]. Additionally, Boeing faces a leadership void in China, with Alvin Liu, its top executive in China, leaving the company in recent weeks. Carol Shen has been named interim president of Boeing China [1].

The potential Boeing-China deal highlights the importance of aircraft orders in U.S. diplomacy. Since Trump's return to the White House in January, nations have been touting new and existing deals for airplanes to narrow trade imbalances with the U.S. [1]. The U.S. and China have engaged in several rounds of talks since de-escalating tariffs, but a final trade deal has yet to be reached [1].

References:

[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-21/boeing-is-said-in-talks-to-sell-as-many-as-500-planes-to-china