Online sites won't pass new taxes on to consumers, for now

Leading Chinese e-commerce companies said they won't increase the prices of imported items in the short term, though a new policy, which took effect on Friday, raised tax rates on popular items such as food and baby products.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd said food, baby products and health care products will be subject to heavier taxes after the adjustment.

"But many overseas brands and retailers on our platform don't have plans to raise prices in the short term so that consumers can gradually adapt to the change."