U.S. Lifts Trade Ban, Letting GE Aerospace Resume Engine Shipments to Comac
The U.S. has eased trade restrictions on China's aviation sector by allowing GE Aerospace to resume engine shipments to Comac. The decision lifts a ban imposed just weeks earlier amid ongoing trade tensions. Chinese officials have welcomed the move as a step toward better cooperation between the two nations.
The license suspensions had blocked deliveries of critical engines for Comac's aircraft. Among them were the Leap-1C engines, produced jointly by GE Aerospace and Safran, which power the C919 jet. Another affected model was the CF34 engine, used in the ARJ21 regional aircraft.
The restrictions were part of a broader trade dispute between the U.S. and China. Their removal now allows Comac to accelerate production of its commercial planes. The company had faced delays in certification and deliveries due to the lack of Western-sourced components.
At least one other aerospace supplier, alongside GE, has also had its license suspension revoked. Honeywell Aerospace and Collins Aerospace remain key providers of components for Comac's aircraft. The U.S. decision is expected to strengthen Comac's position in the global market, where it competes directly with Airbus and Boeing.
By early 2026, Comac had captured 20% of China's domestic aviation market. The resumed engine deliveries will help the company expand further, particularly in Asia and Africa, where its lower-cost aircraft offer an alternative to Western manufacturers.
The lifted restrictions enable Comac to push ahead with certification and deliveries of its ARJ21 and C919 models. This move also signals a temporary easing of trade tensions, though broader disputes remain unresolved. China's Ministry of Commerce has called on the U.S. to continue dialogue and cooperation in the future.
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