SCIO briefing on China's imports, exports in Q1 2026

Jia Huili:

Thank you. Due to time constraints, we will take the last two questions.

Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus:

My question is about the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). It has been more than 100 days since the special customs operations were launched in the Hainan FTP. How would you assess its current performance? How has Hainan's overall foreign trade performed? Offshore duty-free shopping has remained strong. What facilitation measures has customs adopted in terms of duty-free supervision and customs clearance? Thank you.

Wang Jun:

I'd like to invite Mr. Lyu to answer these questions.

Lyu Daliang:

Thank you for your questions. On Dec. 18 last year, the Hainan FTP officially launched island-wide special customs operations, marking over 100 days of implementation to date. Over the past 100 days, the Hainan FTP has maintained steady and orderly overall operation, securing a sound start for the special customs operations.

In terms of core policies, dividends have been unleashed more quickly. Following the start of special customs operations, the zero-tariff policy has shifted from positive list-based management to a negative list model. The number of tariff items covered has expanded from 1,900 to over 6,600, accounting for more than 70% of all commodity tariff items, delivering greater trade liberalization. In the first quarter, imports of zero-tariff goods into the FTP reached 1.6 billion yuan. The import tariff exemption policy for processed products with added value has also advanced in tandem. All operational scenarios, including the calculation of value-added portions for Hainan-made goods and cumulative processing value addition, have been fully implemented. In the first quarter, customs supervised goods eligible for processing value-added tax exemption sold to the mainland totaled 290 million yuan.

From the perspective of high-level opening up, the overall capacity has been enhanced. Special customs operations have effectively galvanized the FTP's opening-up vitality, with steady increases in the entry and exit of goods, means of transport and personnel. In the first quarter, Hainan added 4,119 newly registered foreign trade enterprises, bringing the total number to 104,000. The island's goods trade imports and exports reached 84.53 billion yuan, an increase of 38.5%, with the growth rate remaining above 20% for four consecutive months. Customs supervised 6,801 inbound and outbound transport vehicles, an increase of 26%. Hainan's offshore duty-free shopping sector has also remained active. Customs-supervised shopping amounts reached 14.21 billion yuan, up 25.7%, with 1.816 million shopper visits, up 18%.

Since the launch of special customs operations of the Hainan FTP, customs authorities have prioritized institutional integration and innovation, introducing a host of initiatives to accelerate the release of policy dividends and drive high-quality development of the Hainan FTP. For example, we have established a "smart+credit" supervision model and launched the Hainan FTP Smart Customs Supervision Platform. We have continued to improve smart supervision scenarios such as zero tariff treatment, processing value-added duty exemption and offshore duty exemption to facilitate efficient and convenient port customs clearance. We have also optimized the supervision model for offshore duty-free goods by setting up dedicated channels and providing appointment clearance services, achieving "arrival, inspection and release" for duty-free goods. We have greatly simplified the declaration items for cargo leaving Hainan through second-line checkpoints, adopted a new clearance model of "batch departure and centralized declaration," and facilitated goods moving from Hainan to the mainland through the "second line.".

Next, customs authorities will continue to optimize regulatory services, further improve clearance efficiency at ports and strive to build the Hainan FTP into a special customs supervision area with international influence and competitiveness.

Thank you.