U.S. Approves GE Aerospace to Resume Jet Engine Exports to China’s COMAC
In a new signal of the de-escalation of the U.S.-China trade tensions, the Biden administration has approved GE Aerospace to restart shipping jet engines to Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC, a source close to the issue said.
Engine Shipments Greenlit Amid Trade Talks
The green light enables GE to resume the export of LEAP-1C engines for COMAC’s C919 plane and CF34 engines for the smaller C909 regional jet. The engines are key parts for China’s aspirations to compete on the world stage with aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus.
The LEAP-1C engines are a venture between France’s Safran and GE Aerospace, while the C919 jet, though made in China, is heavily dependent on foreign components. The license revocation after weeks of suspension is part of Washington’s wider trade restrictions on Beijing.
The U.S. Department of Commerce, which informed GE of the decision, declined to comment publicly. GE Aerospace also did not comment on media inquiries. A representative of China’s Washington embassy couldn’t be reached immediately.
Signs of a Issue in U.S.-China Trade Tensions
The action is one of a series of relaxing trends in trade barriers between the two countries. Earlier this week, the United States removed export controls on chip design software developers and ethane producers, another signal of advancement in continuing trade negotiations.
There were heightened tensions in April when China had placed export curbs on rare earths and associated magnets—essential materials for industries such as electric vehicles, aerospace, semiconductors, and defense. The U.S. had subsequently suspended a number of export licenses, including those for aerospace parts.
Industry sources indicated another unnamed aerospace firm also had its license revocation lifted this week, suggesting broader approvals are on the way. Honeywell, which supplies a number of systems for COMAC’s C919, including flight controls and navigation, would not comment on its status. Collins Aerospace, another supplier, also would not provide information.
U.S. authorities have also relaxed reported limits on exports of nuclear equipment to China, potentially helping firms like Westinghouse and Emerson. The latest development gives a much-needed boost to COMAC as it attempts to increase global sales of its C919 and expand production.
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