KOTRA pushes to expand Korean aerospace parts exports at China's aviation hub in Tianjin

South Korean aerospace parts makers probed entry into local supply chains in Tianjin, China — a hub for global aviation companies including Airbus and Boeing — as growing demand for commercial aircraft in China is expected to open new export opportunities for Korean firms in composites, metalworking and related sectors.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) said Wednesday it co-hosted the "2026 China Aircraft Parts Market Export Consultation Event" with the South Gyeongsang Technopark in Tianjin on Monday and Tuesday.

Tianjin is one of China's premier aviation industry centers, home to an Airbus final-assembly plant and a Boeing components assembly facility, along with a dense cluster of aircraft manufacturing and parts companies.

China's commercial aviation market is expected to expand over the medium to long term. According to data from the US International Trade Administration, China's commercial aircraft fleet is projected to grow to 9,740 planes over the next 20 years. As more finished aircraft enter service, demand for parts needed in production and maintenance is likely to rise in tandem.

Tianjin in particular has emerged as the dominant gateway for aviation parts imports into China. The city's aircraft parts imports totaled $1.49 billion last year, accounting for 53 percent of China's nationwide imports in the category. The average annual growth rate over the past two years has exceeded 10 percent.

Korean-made parts also flow primarily through Tianjin. The city accounted for an average of 23 percent of China's imports of South Korean aircraft parts in 2024 and last year combined. The value of Korean aviation parts imported through Tianjin stood at $18.99 million in 2024 and $14.3 million last year.

Eleven Chinese companies participated in the event, including the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Boeing Tianjin Composites Co. (BTC), and a range of domestic civil aircraft manufacturers and first- and second-tier suppliers. Twelve South Korean aerospace parts firms covering composites assembly, metal and mechanical processing, and surface treatment also took part.

Companies from the two countries held one-on-one consultations to review the parts specifications and technical standards required by Chinese buyers and to discuss the feasibility of actual supply arrangements.

The event has already produced tangible export results. A South Korean firm identified only as Company K, participating for the sixth consecutive year, found a new buyer at last year's event, signed an initial supply contract and completed its first export shipment earlier this year. At this year's event, the company pursued follow-up negotiations aimed at scaling annual supply to around $1 million.

Before the consultations began, South Korean participants also visited the production floor of Tianjin Haite Airbus Engineering Co., a firm that counts Airbus and other aviation companies operating in China among its customers. The visiting companies examined the facility's parts quality-control procedures and technical specifications on site.

Jang Sang-hae, head of KOTRA's China regional headquarters, said the event was expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Korean aerospace parts companies and expand their exports by arranging visits to global aviation facilities and providing direct consultation opportunities with local buyers.