Boeing at the Heart of Trump’s Trade Strategy: Want a Deal with the U.S.? Buy a Plane

Boeing has become an unexpected symbol of Donald Trump’s global trade policy. Every country signing new agreements with his administration soon announces multibillion-dollar aircraft orders — from Korea and Japan to European allies.

Orders as a Political Ticket When South Korean President Lee Jae-myung visited Washington, Korean Air immediately placed a historic order for 103 Boeing jets worth $36.2 billion. The deal also included a $13.7 billion agreement with GE Aerospace for engines and servicing. Japan followed with an order for 100 planes, while Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia also added their own billion-dollar contracts. And the United Kingdom? It first canceled a $10 billion Boeing order tied to an earlier deal with Washington, only to see IAG, the parent company of British Airways, announce a fresh order for 32 jets worth $12.7 billion days later. As John Grant of Midas Aviation explained: “Trump knows airplanes are a visible symbol. They carry huge value and work as a political gesture — everyone can see who’s buying Boeing.”

Why Planes? Boeing orders also make sense from a practical standpoint. Unlike steel or agricultural imports, which face strong domestic lobbies, planes don’t spark as much political conflict. “Importing planes is politically safer than importing food or metals,” notes Homin Lee, chief macro strategist at Lombard Odier. “And it helps governments show they are reducing trade surpluses with the U.S. — which is critical for Trump.” Another factor: long delivery times. Boeing currently faces an 11-year backlog, while Airbus is just behind at 10. That allows governments to sign massive contracts now but spread out payments well into the future.

No Deal Without Boeing Global aviation is booming again. According to IATA, airline profits will climb to $36 billion in 2025, revenues will surpass $979 billion, and margins will rise to 3.7%. In this environment, demand for planes is stronger than ever. But Boeing is not just an economic factor — it’s a symbol. “It’s an iconic American company,” says Wendy Cutler of the Asia Society. “If you want to show strong ties with the U.S., you buy Boeing. Airbus is the only alternative, so the choice is clear.”

Problems? Forgotten This comes despite recent turbulence. After an Alaska Airlines flight suffered a door panel blowout and whistleblowers raised quality concerns, Boeing faced renewed scrutiny. But the company implemented corrective measures, and according to a June Reuters report, airlines are already regaining confidence in its production. Trump’s trade playbook looks the same: tariffs and tough negotiations on one side, and grand Boeing orders on the other. If a country wants a deal with the U.S., it should expect to walk away with a fleet of American aircraft.

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