Boeing's China Order Prospects Dim Ahead of US-China Summit

Boeing's prospects for securing new orders from China have dimmed ahead of the upcoming US-China summit, according to sources. The company had been eyeing a potential order for up to 500 aircraft, but now focuses on finalizing a previously announced deal for 200 jets. This development comes as Boeing has largely been excluded from fresh Chinese orders since 2017.

The May agreement, which initially seemed like an initial step towards re-establishing Boeing's foothold in the Chinese market, is still being pursued. However, discussions remain fluid, and the company's priority is to lock in this deal rather than chasing a broader package involving many more planes.

The US-China trade truce, which was extended by two months beyond its November 10 expiration, provides a broader backdrop for these talks. While Boeing and Airbus forecast that China will need around 9,000 new aircraft by 2045, the company's immediate focus is on completing the May agreement.