SCIO briefing on China's imports, exports in Q1 2025

CNBC:

I have two questions. In order to reduce costs, footwear and luggage exporters to the U.S. have said they might shift some of their production capacity from China to other countries. How much do products like shoes account for in China's total exports? What is the difference from that of high-tech products? And what is your outlook on this? My second question is regarding China Customs' recent announcement that it will suspend import permits for Darling Ingredients due to the presence of salmonella. The company said there was no salmonella and that it did not sell many products to China. What is your response to that? Thank you.

Lyu Daliang:

Let me start by answering your first question. Customs statistics are compiled based on the "Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System," commonly referred to as the HS Code, formulated by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Regarding the products like shoes and high-tech products you mentioned, I am not sure about the specific HS Code range. After the meeting, if you can provide specific commodity codes, we can assist in the inquiry. Of course, you can also conduct self-service inquiries on our website.

Your second question concerns salmonella, an issue that involves food safety. Recently, China Customs detected salmonella in poultry meat and bone meal imported from the U.S., and in accordance with laws and regulations suspended the export permits to China of three enterprises involved. Customs also issued an announcement and informed the relevant U.S. authorities of the non-conforming products. The enterprise you just mentioned is one of these three enterprises. Chinese customs will, as always, strengthen the inspection and quarantine of imported products in strict accordance with laws and regulations to ensure the safety of imports. Thank you.