Boeing seeks China order as Trump says Beijing agreed to buy 200 jets

Boeing Co. (BA) is seeking a major China order after U.S. President Donald Trump said Beijing agreed to buy 200 Boeing aircraft, a potential boost for the company after seven straight years of trailing Airbus in deliveries. China’s Foreign Ministry on May 15, 2026, did not confirm the order, saying U.S.-China economic ties are mutually beneficial and that both sides should implement leaders’ agreements. Boeing has struggled with 737 MAX safety fallout, 777X delays and supply-chain issues, posting cumulative losses of $35.99 billion from 2019 through 2024. Airbus has widened its lead, holding a 62% share of narrow-body aircraft and a 55% market share in China as of late 2025. Chinese airlines placed 356 Airbus orders in the past six months. Boeing returned to a $2.2 billion net profit in 2025, but first-quarter 2026 operating cash flow fell by $200 million and free cash flow declined by $1.5 billion.