BEIJING (Reuters) - The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China continue to take a heavy toll on both Chinese airlines and the American aerospace manufacturer Boeing. In a recent statement, Chinas Ministry of Commerce voiced its concerns regarding the impact of U.S.-imposed tariffs on the aviation industry, urging Washington to heed the concerns of affected companies and work towards establishing a stable trade environment.

This marks the first official response from Beijing regarding how the tariffs have specifically influenced the aviation sector, particularly following Boeing's decision to return three 737 MAX aircraft that had been intended for Chinese customers back to the United States. These planes, which had been grounded in China, were part of a larger order that has now been disrupted due to the shifting trade policies.

Just last week, Boeing disclosed that several of its Chinese clients had expressed reluctance to accept delivery of new aircraft owing to the tariffs. As a result, the company is now exploring options to resell potentially dozens of these aircraft, which highlights the severe repercussions of the tariffs on its business operations.

In response to queries from the media regarding the returned planes, Chinas commerce ministry reiterated its willingness to support normal business interactions between the two countries. The ministry emphasized the importance of a predictable environment for trade and investment, underscoring how critical stable relations are for both nations' economic activities.

China's affected airlines and Boeing have suffered greatly, the ministry stated. It further pointed out that the U.S. tariffs have not only disrupted the aviation sector but have also adversely impacted global supply chains, air transport, and investment practices.

Chinas concerns over the implications of the ongoing trade war are becoming increasingly apparent. In a bid to alleviate some of the pressures on its businesses, China has reportedly granted exemptions on certain U.S. imports from its own 125% tariffs. The government is also urging companies to identify essential goods that they require to be imported without incurring these hefty levies.

In a related development, French aircraft engine manufacturer Safran announced on Friday that it had received notice from Chinese authorities indicating the granting of tariff exemptions on specific aerospace equipment parts, notably engines and landing gear. This move may signal a potential softening of some trade restrictions, but the overall landscape remains complex and fraught with uncertainty.

As both nations navigate these challenges, the future of the aviation sector hangs in the balance, with businesses on both sides awaiting a resolution that could pave the way for more stable trade relations.