Boeing Jet Returns to US from China Amid Escalating Tariff War
A Boeing 737 MAX jet intended for Chinese airline Xiamen has returned to the United States, caught in the crossfire of rising trade tensions between the two countries. The aircraft, painted in Xiamen Airlines livery, landed at Seattle's Boeing Field on Sunday at 6:11 p.m. after making refueling stops in Guam and Hawaii during its 5,000-mile journey back from China. The plane was one of several 737 MAX jets awaiting completion and delivery to Chinese carriers at Boeing's Zhoushan center when it became entangled in recent tariff escalations. President Donald Trump recently increased baseline tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods. These duties could prove financially devastating for Chinese airlines accepting Boeing aircraft, as a new 737 MAX has a market value of approximately $55 million, according to aviation consultancy IBA. […]