US Commerce Department slows plane parts exports to China and limits COMAC quota

The U.S. Commerce Department has recently slowed approval of plane parts exports to China and is weighing new regulations to more easily restrict core components such as landing gear, while strictly limiting the quota of parts shipped to COMAC to only meet normal civil aviation operations. China had sought long‑term spare‑parts guarantees after expressing interest in buying 200 Boeing aircraft last year, but the United States refused to provide those guarantees, keeping key spare parts as leverage. After a meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, the two countries also agreed to reduce some tariffs and extend their trade truce to January 2027.

The export slowdown and quota limits give the United States leverage in future negotiations with China over aviation concessions, while still allowing COMAC to maintain routine flight operations. By restricting access to critical components, the U.S. aims to influence China’s procurement decisions and protect its own aerospace interests amid ongoing trade tensions.