US CEOs Head to China with Trump to Boost Business Ties

A who's who of the business world is heading to China with U.S. President Donald Trump this week for his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a White House official. Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and others are among the delegation.

Details

The companies hope the summit will generate enough political goodwill to unlock regulatory approvals, market access, and investment opportunities. One source said a critical precondition for joining was having a "tangible ask" that promised a concrete outcome or handshake deal. None of the companies commented on their goals.

For Tesla, China is weighing curbs on exports of solar manufacturing equipment to the U.S., which could threaten Tesla's plans to build new factories or expand existing ones. In March, Reuters reported Tesla was looking to buy $2.9 billion of equipment from Chinese suppliers for making solar panels. Tesla also seeks Chinese regulatory clearance to expand its Full Self-Driving system in the world's largest auto market.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told Reuters last month the company is counting on the Trump administration to help unlock a long-awaited major order from China. Talks have been ongoing for a deal that could include 500 737 MAX jets and dozens of widebody jets powered by GE engines.

Context

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was not invited, a source said, as the White House focuses on agriculture and commercial aviation. Nvidia has been pushing the administration to allow sales of some AI chips to Beijing.

What It Means for Investors

The trip signals renewed focus on U.S.-China trade relations, with potential benefits for Tesla, Boeing, and Apple. However, outcomes depend on summit dynamics and may not materialize immediately.