US Restricts Aircraft Parts Exports to COMAC
The US administration is imposing restrictions on aircraft parts exports to Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC. The US Department of Commerce has reduced the quantities of parts approved under export licenses to prevent the company from building up large inventories. The review process for other aviation parts export applications to China has also slowed.
Washington reportedly aims to use China’s dependence on US-based aviation suppliers as leverage in trade negotiations between the two countries. New regulations are also being considered to make it easier to restrict exports of landing gear and other aircraft components.
It remains unclear whether the restrictions cover the CFM LEAP-1C engines used on the COMAC C919 and the GE CF34-10A engines powering the C909. In May 2025, the US suspended export licenses for these engines but lifted the restrictions in July 2025 following an agreement between the two countries.
