Boeing Bets Comeback on Trump, China and an Elusive New Plane
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is expected to join President Trump's delegation to China, betting on a diplomatic breakthrough to revive sales in the world's second-largest aviation market.
Boeing is betting its comeback on a diplomatic push by President Donald Trump, with CEO Kelly Ortberg expected to join the US delegation to China this week. The planemaker hopes to replicate the success of Richard Nixon's 1972 visit, which led to the purchase of 10 Boeing 707 jets and opened the Chinese market. China has since become the world's second-largest aviation market, but Boeing's sales there have stalled amid trade tensions and the grounding of the 737 Max.
The stakes are high for Boeing, which has struggled with production issues, regulatory scrutiny, and a loss of market share to Airbus. A breakthrough in China could provide a much-needed boost to its order book and help restore investor confidence. For equity traders, Boeing's stock performance is closely tied to its ability to secure international orders, and any positive news from the Trump-Xi meeting could drive a rally. NowPrice's real-time stock quotes show Boeing shares trading near recent lows, reflecting the market's cautious outlook.
Investors will watch for concrete outcomes from the meeting, such as a framework for new aircraft purchases or a resolution to trade disputes. The elusive new plane, likely the 737 Max or a future model, remains central to Boeing's strategy. Any progress could signal a turning point for the company, but risks remain high given geopolitical uncertainties and the competitive pressure from Airbus's A320neo family.