🇺🇸🇨🇳 US Slows China Parts Licenses

The Trump administration has slowed approvals for aircraft parts export licenses to China in recent weeks and capped some shipments to state-owned planemaker COMAC, according to sources. Reuters reported the measures are being used as leverage in US-China trade talks, while the Commerce Department also prepares rules to more easily restrict items including landing gear and aviation hydraulic oil.

The move comes despite a broader easing in bilateral trade tensions after September talks in New York and Washington and a tariff truce extension to January 2027. US-made aerospace components remain critical for Chinese airlines operating Boeing and Airbus fleets, as well as for COMAC’s C919 program, which still depends on imported engines, avionics and hydraulic systems; China has also asked for multi-year spare parts coverage for 200 Boeing aircraft agreed this spring, but the US has reportedly resisted supply guarantees.

Further restrictions would add to production pressure on COMAC, which delivered 15 C919 jets last year against a target of 75. Similar US curbs on engines, navigation systems and hydraulic oil exports were briefly imposed during the trade escalation last year.

#US #China

@asianomics