China's State Council nearly halved the import tariffs on a string of consumer products ranging from apparel to medicines, effective Dec. 1.
The adjustment covers 187 types of products in total, including food, healthcare products, pharmaceuticals, apparel and footwear, home appliances and daily necessities, according to a statement posted on the website of Ministry of Finance.
The tariffs were lowered to 7.7% from 17.3% on average.
Specifically, tariffs were cut to zero from the previous 7.5% for baby diapers and to 2% from 6% for cosmetics. Imported cheese products, which were taxed at different rates of up to 15%, are now levied at 8%. Apparel made from wool or synthetic fibers saw import tariffs drop to 10% from 25%, while footwear now enjoys tariffs of 12%, halved from the previous 24%. Tariffs for coffee machines and electronic toilet lids declined to 10% from 32%.
Import tariffs were also lowered to 2% from 6% for vitamin supplements and antibiotics.
Since 2015, China has been slashing import taxes for certain staple products such as clothes and shoes amid the domestic consumption upgrade. The latest tariff adjustment is expected to further widen consumer choices in the country, the State Council said in the statement.
