Safran Aircraft Engines CEO Olivier Andries says China will not impose tariffs on some aircraft parts, including jet engines. He made the comment during an April 25, 2025, earnings call.
"The [tariff] situation is very uncertain and can change very quickly," he said. "China has decided to exempt from tariffs any deliveries of engines, nacelles, landing gear, or parts to China."
Andries added that it was too early to say if the trade dispute would have a significant financial impact on the aerospace company, which generated revenues of EUR7.26 billion euros (USD8.25 billion) in the first quarter of 2025. However, he did say it was creating global economic uncertainty. As a result, Andries said Safran was implementing mitigation measures to reduce its potential exposure and was entering into commercial negotiations with customers for further impact reduction.
Among other things, Safran and joint venture partner General Electric manufacture LEAP engines for Boeing and Airbus and COMAC. The company also makes oxygen systems and nacelles for COMAC's C919. Safran has factories in France and the United States.
While unconfirmed, multiple outlets report China has rolled back proposed 125% tariffs on various critical components sourced from the United States, including these aircraft components. China's tariffs are in response to the US imposing a 145% rate on all Chinese imports (now suspended for 90 days).
The dispute has seen Chinese carriers instructed not to take delivery of Boeing aircraft and that manufacturer repatriating about-to-be delivered aircraft already in China and moving to remarket them.
During a daily Chinese Foreign Ministry press briefing on April 25, spokesman Guo Jiakun said he was "not aware of the specifics" on any reported tariff exemptions but that no tariff-related talks with the US were happening.
"China and the US are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs," he said. "The US should stop creating confusion."
