ZCZC
BCN-27
CHINA-IMPORT-TARIFF-CONSUMER
China to cut import tariffs for 1,449 taxable items of daily consumer
goods
BEIJING, Jun. 2, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – China will cut most-favored-nation
(MFN) tariffs for 1,449 taxable items of daily consumer goods starting July
1, from an average tariff rate of 15.7 percent to 6.9 percent, an official
statement said Thursday.
On average, the tariffs were cut by 55.9 percent, said the Customs Tariff
Commission of the State Council.
An MFN tariff is one that World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries
promise to impose all of their trading partners who are also WTO members,
unless the country is part of a preferential trade agreement.
Due to the adjustment, MFN temporary duties for 210 taxable items of
imported goods will be abolished, it said.
Significantly reducing the import tariffs for daily consumer goods is
conducive to expanding China’s opening-up and serves as a major measure and
action of the country’s initiative to open its market, the statement quoted
an unnamed official of the commission as saying.
On Wednesday, the State Council announced a decision to further cut import
tariffs for daily consumer goods.
The average tariff rate for clothing, shoes and hats, kitchenware, and
sports and fitness supplies will be reduced from 15.9 percent to 7.1 percent,
and that for home appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators from
20.5 percent to 8 percent.
The average tariff rate for cultured and fished aquatic products and
processed food such as mineral water will be cut from 15.2 percent to 6.9
percent, according to a statement released after the meeting.
The average tariff rate for detergents, cosmetics such as skin care and
hair care products, and some medicine and health products will be cut from
8.4 percent to 2.9 percent.
BSS/XINHUA/HR/1200