US Slows Aircraft Part Exports to China, Sparking Global Supply Chain Stability Concerns

According to reports from Reuters and other foreign media, sources familiar with the matter revealed that the approval process for some US aircraft component export licenses to China has slowed recently. The Trump administration is seeking to weaponize aircraft components — a highly globalized product category — as leverage in trade negotiations. The move has raised industry concerns over the stability of the global aviation supply chain.

US Accused of Using Aircraft Parts as Negotiating Chips

Sources said the US Department of Commerce has slowed approval of export licenses for aircraft parts bound for China in recent weeks. Two sources noted that authorities are also drafting an export rule to make it easier to control exports of landing gear and other aircraft components to China. One source said the draft includes new licensing requirements for aviation hydraulic fluids supplied by US companies such as ExxonMobil.

Chinese Aviation Industry Focuses on Spare Parts Security

Meanwhile, sources said Chinese airlines are seeking multi-year spare parts supply arrangements for the 200 Boeing aircraft they agreed to purchase last spring, driven by fleet safety and long-term operational security needs. This would mark the first major deal between US aircraft manufacturers and Chinese airlines in nearly a decade. However, the US side has not actively responded to industry requests for long-term stable supply, fueling industry worries over supply chain reliability.