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U.S. Engine and Component Ban Threatens China’s Commercial Aircraft Industry

U.S. Engine and Component Ban Threatens China’s Commercial Aircraft Industry
Export Restrictions Target Key Aerospace Components
The U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed a suspension on export approvals for engines and critical components destined for China’s commercial aircraft sector, a development that threatens to significantly disrupt the progress of state-owned manufacturer Comac. Initially reported to affect the CFM International Leap-1C engines powering the C919, the ban now also encompasses GE Aerospace engines intended for the C909 regional jet, according to sources familiar with the decision. Additionally, approvals for essential systems supplied by Honeywell Aerospace and Collins Aerospace, a division of RTX Corp., have been halted.
This escalation directly challenges China’s strategic objectives in aerospace manufacturing. The C919 single-aisle airliner and the C909 regional jet have been central to China’s ambition to reduce dependence on Western imports and establish a competitive domestic alternative. Despite these goals, both aircraft remain heavily reliant on Western propulsion systems and avionics, often procured through joint ventures with U.S. suppliers.
Impact on China’s Aerospace Ambitions and Global Supply Chains
The New York Times first reported on May 28 that shipments of the Leap-1C engine, produced by the U.S.-French joint venture CFM International, had ceased. Independent confirmation from The Air Current indicates that deliveries of both the Leap-1C for the C919 and the GE-branded CF34-10A engine for the C909 have been suspended. With existing inventories in China eventually depleted, new deliveries of these aircraft are expected to slow dramatically.
Industry analysts suggest that the U.S. export suspension may compel China to accelerate the development of domestic capabilities for critical aerospace components such as engines and avionics. However, achieving self-sufficiency in these complex technologies presents significant challenges for China’s commercial aerospace sector. The ban has also heightened scrutiny of global supply chains, prompting manufacturers and airlines worldwide to reassess their exposure to geopolitical risks.
Market observers speculate that the restrictions could lead to shifts in international partnerships and supply arrangements. Competitors may increase production of comparable technologies or offer alternative solutions to Chinese manufacturers seeking to mitigate the impact of U.S. export controls.
Broader Implications Amid Rising Trade Tensions
The ban marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, with far-reaching implications for the global aviation industry. The White House declined to comment on the matter, and the Department of Commerce did not respond to requests for statements. Representatives from GE Aerospace, Honeywell, and RTX also refrained from providing comments.
As China’s aerospace ambitions encounter new obstacles, the industry faces a period of uncertainty. The future of Comac’s flagship aircraft programs, which have been pivotal to China’s efforts to establish a domestic commercial aviation presence, now hangs in the balance.

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