The Boeing 737 is often seen as a symbol of American aerospace excellence. But peel back the fuselage and you’ll discover a much more intricate story—one of international collaboration, supply chain complexity, and global interdependence.

The aircraft’s thousands of components are sourced from at least two dozen countries and multiple continents. While Boeing leads final assembly in the United States, the company relies on global partners to provide specialized parts ranging from titanium forgings in Italy to cabin seating in Japan.

This global sourcing strategy, visualized by Julie Peasley and based on data from Air Framer, demonstrates the immense complexity of modern aircraft manufacturing.

Here’s a breakdown of key parts in the Boeing 737 and their country of origin:

CountryAircraft component for Boeing 737AustraliaWing aileronsAustriaBlended winglets and split wingletsBelgiumEngine compressors, oil tank, pump, filter, and valveBelgiumFlap/slat mechanismsCanadaCommunication antennasCanadaAirborne communication systemsCanadaWing tip panelsCanadaWheel well fairingsCanadaAircraft doorsCanadaCabin curtainsCanadaPower transmission torque tube drivesCanadaInner barrel for engine nacelle inletCanadaNose landing gear assemblies (titanium components)CanadaElectromagnetic indicators and annunciatorsCanadaWinglet and wing componentsChinaForward entry doorChinaRudderChinaFlight deck panelsChinaCarbon brake disksChinaInterior completion of cabinChinaVertical finChinaAft fuselage sectionChinaAircraft landing gearFranceWing assemblyFranceBearingsFranceInflight entertainmentFranceEngine electrical wire harnessesFranceTitianium/aluminum structural componentsFrancePiston ringsFranceThrust reversersFranceAutothrottle systemFranceElectrical power contactorFranceEngine hydromechanical fuel pumpsFranceWheelsFranceEmergency locator transmitterFranceCockpit door surveillance camerasFranceStructural bulkheadFranceStandby flight displayFranceLimit and proximity switchesFranceFastenersGermanyCorrosion protecting coatingsGermanyCabin exit signsGermanyPassenger SeatingGermanyCabin galley and stowage binsGermanyCargo sliding carpet systemGermanyWinglet lightning harnessGermanyCabin pressure control systemGermanyFuselage anti-collision lightsGermanyDoor locks and latchesGermanyIce protection equipmentGermanyWindow sealsGermanyForgings, castings and extrusionsIndiaVertical fin structuresIndiaWire harnessesIndiaStrut assembliesIsraelCargo and passenger doorsIsraelMetal parts and structuresIsraelWheel well panelsIsraelAluminum and steel for wingletItalyTitanium forgingsItalyRotor blades and stator vaneJapanInboard flaps and flap segmentJapanPassenger SeatingJapanLavatory equipmentLatviaArm caps for economy class seatsMalaysiaAirframe saddle fairingMoroccoWire harnessesNetherlandsGalleys, closets, class dividersNetherlandsElectrical wiring, wire harnesses, junction boxesNetherlandsLaminates for various componentsNorwayTurbine engine vanes and casingsRussiaTitaniumSouth AfricaVacuum-formed cockpit and cabin assembliesSouth AfricaPrecision machined interior liningsSouth KoreaLower door skin, inner skin cover detailSouth KoreaElectronic equipment doorSouth KoreaEmpennage (737 MAX)South KoreaInterior bulkheadsSouth KoreaFlap support fairing and wingletSouth KoreaRear wing spar and jackscrewSpainFlight control surfacesSpainRudderSpainSheet metal bending and millingSwedenEngine gearbox bearingsSwedenAC/humidity controlSwitzerlandAirborne vibration monitorTaiwanMain landing gear doorTaiwanPressurized doorsTaiwanEngine caseTurkeyRear fuselage and tail surfacesTurkeyFlight deck panelsTurkeyWing tipsTurkeyStructural componentsTurkeyCabin cabinetsTurkeyEngine fan cowlsUKThrust reverser actuatorUKFlight control actuatorsUKBlended wingletsUKWing flaps structural ribs and substructuresUKEngine sensors, and monitoringUKNacelle inlet lip skinsUKCockpit voice recorder and flight data recorderUKExtended range auxiliary fuel tankUKCockpit indicators and switchesUKTiresUKElectrical static dischargersUKAircrew seats and gear drivesUKAirborne communication antennaUKEmergency lighting floorpath systemUKFlight deck entry video surveillance systemUKEmergency locator beaconUKJet engine ringsUKAnti-spall windshieldsUKPacking and filling material

Commercial aircraft contain millions of precision parts, many made from exotic alloys or advanced composites. No single country holds all that know‑how. Russia’s VSMPO‑AVISMA, for instance, remains the world’s dominant source of aerospace‑grade titanium—a metal prized for its strength‑to‑weight ratio and corrosion resistance.

By tapping specialized suppliers, Boeing keeps costs competitive, earns reciprocal market access abroad, and balances political risk by spreading production across multiple jurisdictions.

However, this level of globalization exposes manufacturers to geopolitical and economic risks. According to Reuters, aerospace firms have lobbied hard to preserve tariff-free agreements between the U.S. and EU. Even temporary tariffs in past disputes have disrupted delivery schedules and increased costs.

Analysis from Harvard Business School points to rising protectionism as a major threat to supply chain stability. As governments reevaluate trade policies, the world’s major aircraft companies may be forced to rethink their international sourcing models—a costly and complex endeavor.

Discover more insights about Boeing’s diversified business beyond commercial planes in this related post on Voronoi: Boeing’s Business Is Much More Than Just Commercial Planes.