US Reportedly Slows Aircraft Part Exports to China for Trade Leverage

The Trump administration is reportedly slowing the export of U.S. aircraft components to China, a strategic move intended to create leverage in ongoing trade negotiations, according to several people familiar with the matter. This action targets China's significant dependence on American aerospace suppliers as the two economic powers navigate a fragile trade truce.

A Multi-Pronged Strategy

According to sources cited by Reuters, the U.S. Department of Commerce has taken several steps to constrain the flow of aviation goods. The department has reportedly slowed the approval process for export licenses for airplane parts destined for China in recent weeks.

Officials are also said to be exploring a new export regulation that would make it easier to restrict specific components, such as landing gear. In a separate move, the Commerce Department is reportedly limiting the number of parts licensed for shipment to China's state-owned aircraft manufacturer, COMAC, to prevent the company from stockpiling components.

Context of Trade Negotiations

This reported slowdown comes as the U.S. and China work under a trade truce that was recently extended to January 10, 2027. The tactic is seen as part of a broader U.S. strategy to use economic pressure points to gain concessions, mirroring Washington's efforts to reduce its own reliance on Chinese rare earth minerals.

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The issue of parts supply has become a direct point of contention. China has reportedly sought guarantees for several years' worth of spare parts for a recent order of 200 Boeing jets. However, sources indicate the U.S. has been hesitant to provide such assurances, viewing the parts supply as a key bargaining chip for future talks.

Impact on the Aerospace Sector

The strategy has raised concerns within the aerospace industry about critical components being used as leverage in the trade dispute. Chinese airlines rely heavily on parts from U.S. suppliers to maintain their large fleets of both Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and COMAC needs them to ramp up its own production.

This is not the first time such restrictions have been implemented or considered. In the spring of 2026, the U.S. temporarily suspended licenses for parts from companies like GE Aerospace and Honeywell Aerospace that were bound for COMAC. President Trump also publicly floated the idea of export controls on Boeing parts in October 2025 in response to Chinese export limits on rare earth minerals.