U.S. Suspends Aerospace Technology Exports to China Amid Trade Tensions
June 1, 2025 | New Delhi — In a significant development, the United States has suspended sales of critical aerospace technologies to China, particularly impacting the state-owned aircraft manufacturer Comac. This decision, reported by The New York Times, appears linked to China’s recent restrictions on the export of essential minerals to the U.S., highlighting the escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
The suspension targets key U.S. technologies used in the aerospace sector; however, the duration of this measure remains uncertain, and analysts speculate it could serve as a bargaining tool in broader trade negotiations. This comes on the heels of a temporary tariff reduction initiated by both countries on May 12, as a gesture to ease ongoing trade disputes.
Comac, which has started to develop indigenous capabilities for producing components like the landing gear of its C919 aircraft in partnership with Western firms, still relies on U.S. imports for critical systems, such as the CFM International Leap-1C engines and Honeywell avionics. While the export ban does not affect the supply of engines for other aircraft types operated by Chinese airlines, it raises questions about Comac’s reliance on American technology.
The C919 has seen limited service within China, with 18 aircraft currently operational across major state-owned carriers, including China Eastern Airlines and Air China. Celebrated for its second anniversary in commercial service on May 28, the C919 has already transported over two million passengers. Despite the current export restrictions, industry sources indicate that Comac maintains a substantial inventory of engines and spare parts, allowing some continuity in production.
As this situation evolves, both countries remain at a crossroads, with potential ramifications for ongoing relations and future trade agreements.
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