US aerospace giant Boeing signs deal for 200 planes, marking a significant step in reentering the Chinese market.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has secured its first major sale to China in nearly a decade, following an agreement for 200 planes announced on Friday.
This development represents a breakthrough for Boeing in its efforts to reestablish its presence in a market that was once crucial for its long-term growth.
The announcement came after President
Donald Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that China has also reserved the right to purchase up to 750 Boeing aircraft as part of this agreement.
Boeing confirmed the order later on Friday but did not specify the types of planes involved or provide additional details.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg was part of a large delegation of American CEOs who accompanied President Trump during his trip to Beijing, aiming to secure business opportunities in China.
The potential aircraft deal is expected to benefit General Electric (GE) as well, with Trump mentioning that GE would supply 400 to 450 engines to China.
Boeing's return to the Chinese market has been a long-standing goal for the company.
In recent years, Boeing has faced challenges due to the souring of US-China relations and the grounding of its 737 Max aircraft in China following two fatal crashes in 2019.
The resumption of flights by Chinese airlines did not occur until January 2023.
The agreement marks a significant win for Boeing and reflects President Trump's efforts to support American manufacturing, particularly within the aerospace industry.
Other notable deals for Boeing have been secured during meetings between Trump and foreign leaders, including agreements with Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabia, Korean Air, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and FlyDubai.
While the US-China summit resulted in several announcements, there is still uncertainty about the specifics of the agreements reached, according to Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific program at the German Marshall Fund.
The lack of concrete information regarding trade deals, including purchases of US exports like soybeans and liquefied natural gas, remains unclear.
This development signifies a potential thawing in relations between Boeing and China, which could have broader implications for both countries' economies.