Boeing Close to $7 Billion China 737 Max Deal Ahead of Trump Visit

Boeing is nearing a landmark agreement to sell approximately 500 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to Chinese airlines, a deal potentially valued in the tens of billions of dollars. The agreement, if finalized, could be announced during U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to China, according to sources familiar with the matter. This represents a significant step toward restoring Boeing’s presence in the crucial Chinese market, and a potential win for the Trump administration as it seeks to rebalance trade relations with Beijing.

A Decade in the Making: Boeing’s Return to Large-Scale Chinese Orders

The potential order marks the largest single purchase of Boeing aircraft by China in nearly a decade. Negotiations have been ongoing for years, but were stalled by geopolitical tensions and the grounding of the 737 MAX following two fatal crashes in 2018, and 2019. China was among the first countries to ground the 737 MAX, and its return to service in China has been a gradual process. The resumption of deliveries gained momentum in recent months, with three 737 Max planes delivered simultaneously in July 2025 to XiamenAir, Shanghai Airlines, and Shandong Airlines – a rare occurrence signaling improved relations.

Beyond the 500 737 MAX aircraft, discussions are also underway for a separate order of approximately 100 wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X jets. However, this wider-body component is likely to be announced at a later date and isn’t expected to be part of the initial agreement during Trump’s visit. As of February 27, 2026, Boeing had an existing backlog of 134 unfilled orders from Chinese customers, with an additional 875 orders listed as coming from “undisclosed customers” – a category widely believed to include further Chinese orders.

The Financial Implications: A Boost for Boeing and its Suppliers

The deal’s financial impact is substantial. Although the exact value depends on the specific configuration and discounts applied, an order of 500 737 MAX aircraft could be worth upwards of $40 billion at list prices. The 737 MAX 8, for example, has a list price of around $121.6 million, though airlines typically negotiate significant discounts. The wide-body order, if finalized, would add billions more to the total value.

This influx of orders provides a significant boost to Boeing’s financial outlook, particularly as it navigates ongoing supply chain challenges and production ramp-up efforts. It also benefits Boeing’s extensive network of suppliers, creating jobs and economic activity across the United States. The deal could also help to alleviate concerns about Boeing’s ability to compete with Airbus, which has been gaining market share in China in recent years.

Geopolitical Considerations and Remaining Uncertainties

Despite the progress, the agreement isn’t yet a done deal. The current geopolitical landscape, particularly the ongoing conflict between the U.S. And Iran, introduces a degree of uncertainty. There’s a possibility that President Trump’s visit to China could be postponed, which would likely delay the announcement. Sources indicate that negotiations could still falter, as they have in the past – similar potential agreements fell through in 2023 and the previous year.

A key sticking point remains the form of the announcement. The U.S. Side is seeking a binding, formal order commitment, rather than simply a headline-grabbing dollar figure. This reflects a desire for concrete assurances of future business, rather than a symbolic gesture. The United Daily News reports that this insistence on a firm commitment is a major factor in the ongoing negotiations.

Impact on Chinese Airlines and the Aviation Market

The order would significantly bolster the fleets of Chinese airlines, enabling them to meet growing domestic and international travel demand. China is the world’s second-largest aviation market, and its airlines are undergoing rapid expansion. The 737 MAX is a fuel-efficient aircraft, which would help airlines to reduce operating costs and improve profitability.

However, the return of the 737 MAX to service in China has been met with some public skepticism, following the safety concerns raised by the previous accidents. Airlines will need to work to rebuild passenger confidence in the aircraft. The resumption of deliveries also signals a broader recovery in the Chinese aviation sector, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Next: Trump’s Visit and Finalizing the Deal

President Trump is scheduled to visit China from March 31 to April 2, 2026, and is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Boeing aircraft order is anticipated to be a key component of the potential trade agreement between the two countries. Trump has previously used Boeing orders as leverage in trade negotiations with other nations.

Following the visit, the focus will shift to finalizing the details of the agreement, including pricing, delivery schedules, and financing arrangements. Regulatory approvals will also be required from both U.S. And Chinese authorities. The resumption of 737 MAX deliveries in June 2025, as reported by Tencent News, suggests a willingness from Chinese regulators to move forward, but final approval remains contingent on a broader agreement. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this potential deal comes to fruition, marking a significant turning point in the relationship between Boeing and the Chinese aviation market.