China to adjust tariffs on imports, exports in 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 21 -- China will adjust its tariff rates on imports and exports from Jan. 1, 2024, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced Thursday.

China will implement tariff rates on some commodities under 20 agreements that originate from 30 countries or regions in 2024 based on free trade agreements (FTAs) or other preferential trade arrangements. The China-Nicaragua FTA will come into force on January 1, 2024 with tariffs cuts to be implemented.

Preferential tariff rates will continue to be applied in 2024 to least-developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China and completed relevant procedures.

The adjustments demonstrate China's continued actions in promoting high-quality opening-up, which are in sharp contrast with some countries and regions that have purposely increased tariffs targeting trade with China or utilized tariffs against China.

According to a circular issued by the commission, the country will implement provisional import tariffs that are lower than the most-favored-nation rates on 1,010 commodities.

For instance, China will reduce or exempt tariffs on resources that the country is experiencing a shortage of, critical equipment and components, medications and raw materials for the treatment of some cancers and rare diseases, food for special medical purposes, and some agricultural products.

In addition, the country will reduce the export tariff on high-purity aluminum.

Meanwhile, China will raise import tariffs on ethylene, propylene, and certain types of liquid crystal glass substrates, among others, within its accession commitment to the World Trade Organization.

Under the free trade and preferential trade arrangements with other countries or regions, China will impose conventional tariff rates on some products from 30 countries and regions next year amid efforts to open up at a higher level.

China will continue to grant preferential tariff treatments next year to the least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations and completed the exchange of letters with China.

据中国财政部消息，为继续发挥进出口对经济的支撑作用，更好履行关税在统筹国内国际两个市场两种资源中的重要职能，经第八届国务院关税税则委员会第一次全体会议审议通过，并报请国务院批准，国务院关税税则委员会发布公告，2024年将调整部分商品的进出口关税。

为增强国内国际两个市场两种资源联动效应，维护中国产业链供应链稳定顺畅，2024年1月1日起，中国将对1010项商品实施低于最惠国税率的进口暂定税率。一是加快推进先进制造业创新发展，降低氯化锂、低砷萤石、燃料电池用气体扩散层等国内短缺的资源、关键设备和零部件的进口关税。二是保障人民生命健康，以高质量供给满足居民消费需求，对部分抗癌药、罕见病药的药品和原料等实施零关税，降低特殊医学用途配方食品等的进口关税。三是降低甜玉米、芫荽、牛蒡种子的进口关税。此外，为促进新材料产业发展，降低高纯铝出口关税。

2024年1月1日起，根据国内产业发展和供需情况变化，在中国加入世界贸易组织承诺范围内，提高乙烯、丙烯、6代以下液晶玻璃基板等部分商品进口关税。

为扩大面向全球的高标准自由贸易区网络，持续推进高水平对外开放，推动建设开放型世界经济，根据中国与有关国家或者地区签署的自由贸易协定和优惠贸易安排，2024年将对20个协定项下、原产于30个国家或者地区的部分商品实施协定税率。中国-尼加拉瓜自由贸易协定自2024年1月1日起生效并实施降税。

为支持和帮助最不发达国家加快发展，2024年继续对与中国建交并完成换文手续的最不发达国家实施特惠税率，并根据联合国最不发达国家名单和中国过渡期安排，调整特惠税率适用国别。

为促进中国优势产品更好参与国际市场竞争，2024年将适当调整本国子目，增列装饰原纸、高端钢铁产品等税目。调整后，税则税目总数为8957个。

上述调整措施以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，坚持稳中求进工作总基调，完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，有利于支持稳住外贸外资基本盘，更好服务经济社会发展大局；有利于推动内生动力持续增强，更好统筹发展和安全；有利于推进高水平对外开放，构建开放型经济新体制；有利于促进行业转型升级，积极参与国际市场竞争。