Tariffs reduced to spur consumption

Tariffs on imported consumer goods will be cut in parts of China by the end of June to fuel domestic consumption, stabilize economic growth and reduce the outflow of spending by Chinese tourists.

An executive meeting of the State Council, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang, decided on Tuesday to increase imports of overseas products favored by Chinese consumers, in a move to woo those whose shopping lists during overseas travel have expanded from luxury brands to daily consumer goods.

More duty-free stores will open at Chinese borders, with a higher purchasing cap for each individual tourist and more categories of products. Easier tax refund procedures will be promoted, accompanied by reinforced efforts in customs clearing checks to curb smuggling, the meeting decided.