Key Takeaways
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent forecasted a substantial Boeing aircraft purchase from China to be unveiled during President Trump’s Beijing meetings.
- Shares of Boeing (BA) advanced 1.2% during premarket hours Thursday after Bessent’s CNBC interview.
- Negotiations include broader Chinese commitments to purchase American energy products and agricultural commodities.
- Officials from both nations are discussing innovative investment mechanisms, including potential “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment” frameworks.
- Bessent emphasized the strategy centers on increasing American exports to China rather than reducing imports.
Shares of Boeing (BA) moved higher by 1.2% during premarket activity Thursday following remarks from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who indicated on CNBC that China intends to finalize a significant aircraft purchase from Boeing while President Donald Trump conducts his diplomatic visit to Beijing.
“I believe we’re going to witness substantial Boeing orders,” Bessent stated during his appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
His remarks arrived as American and Chinese negotiators launched a two-day economic conference aimed at recalibrating commercial relations between the planet’s two dominant economies.
The anticipated Boeing deal is being positioned as a centerpiece achievement from the Beijing negotiations. Such an agreement would signal a notable transformation following an extended period of economic tensions between the United States and China.
Bessent clarified that negotiations extend well beyond aviation. Enhanced Chinese procurement of American energy resources and farm products is under consideration, alongside innovative structures for Chinese capital deployment in non-strategic American industries.
Energy Sector and Investment Frameworks Under Discussion
Regarding energy commerce, Bessent revealed that Chinese representatives have shown enthusiasm for purchasing additional American liquefied natural gas, especially as fresh export infrastructure becomes operational.
Agricultural commerce is similarly being addressed, although Bessent acknowledged that soybean agreements are predominantly established through current arrangements.
Both administrations are exploring two novel bilateral management platforms: a “Board of Trade” and a “Board of Investment.” These structures would facilitate Chinese investment flows into America while avoiding national security complications.
“Our objective is ensuring these investments bypass CFIUS referral,” Bessent explained, referencing the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
He also dismissed speculation regarding enormous capital pledges from Beijing. “I’m uncertain about the source of this $1 trillion investment figure,” he remarked.
Trade Balance Remains Primary Objective
Bessent articulated the overarching purpose of the diplomatic discussions: achieving equilibrium in bilateral commerce.
“That represents our target, achievable through two approaches — either America accepts fewer Chinese imports, or we increase sales to China,” he explained. “We’re working to establish that equilibrium.”
His preference, he suggested, favors expanding American exports over imposing import limitations.
Boeing has traditionally been among the primary beneficiaries of American-Chinese trade agreements. Chinese carriers constitute a substantial portion of demand for Boeing’s passenger aircraft.
The aerospace manufacturer has navigated a challenging period recently — manufacturing complications, regulatory examination, and inconsistent demand have all pressured the enterprise. A substantial Chinese purchase would deliver a concrete positive development.
Boeing (BA) shares traded 1.2% higher during premarket activity Thursday. The official order revelation, should it materialize, is anticipated during Trump’s ongoing Beijing diplomatic mission.


