President Donald Trump is reshaping the global trade landscape. Instead of prioritizing multilateral free trade agreements, his administration favors bilateral deals — often criticized as light on details but heavy on symbolism. And in many of these deals, one name stands out: Boeing.
Since Washington imposed tariffs earlier this year, countries signing new trade deals with the U.S. have frequently announced massive Boeing aircraft orders.
South Korea: During President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Washington, Korean Air unveiled an order for 103 Boeing jets worth $36.2 billion, alongside a $13.7 billion contract with GE Aerospace — the largest deal in the airline’s history.
Japan: Placed an order for 100 Boeing aircraft, with the value undisclosed.
Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia: Smaller economies have also tied Boeing purchases to their trade agreements with the U.S.
United Kingdom: In May, London confirmed a $10 billion order for Boeing jets. Days later, IAG — the parent of British Airways — announced an additional order of 32 Boeing planes worth $12.7 billion.
According to aviation consultant John Grant, aircraft are “high-profile products,” making them attractive for political leaders like Trump. Such mega-deals allow him to showcase victories in boosting American exports.
These contracts also help trade partners reduce bilateral deficits with the U.S. — a key justification behind Trump’s tariff policies.
Equally important, airplanes stir less domestic controversy compared with sensitive goods like steel or rice. For example, Japan strictly protects its rice sector, while South Korea is a major steel exporter to the U.S. Buying aircraft, however, is politically safer.
Another factor: Boeing’s delivery backlog stretches beyond 11 years. This allows airlines to announce large purchases without facing immediate financial strain.
While Boeing orders serve as political theater, they also meet genuine market demand. The global tourism and aviation industries are expanding rapidly.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts airline net profits will climb to $36 billion in 2025, up from $32.4 billion in 2024. Total revenue is projected to hit a record $979 billion, reflecting the need for larger, more modern fleets.
Despite recent safety scandals and concerns over production quality, Boeing remains one of only two global giants in aircraft manufacturing, alongside Airbus. Its symbolic weight as a flagship American company makes it a natural fixture in Trump’s trade strategy.
Recent reports from Reuters indicate airline executives are regaining confidence in Boeing’s ability to deliver aircraft at the right quality and pace. This reinforces Boeing’s role as the star of trade agreements under President Trump.
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