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China continues to expand its high-level opening-up to the outside world

Adjusting the tariff rates and tax items of some commodities

The Tariff Adjustment Plan for 2026 (hereinafter referred to as the "Plan"), issued by the Tariff Commission of the State Council, has been implemented since January 1st. The "Plan" scientifically adjusts the provisional import tax rates, optimizes the tax item settings, and continues to implement the agreed tax rates and preferential tax rates. It is conducive to leading the development of new productive forces, meeting the people's ever-growing needs for a better life, expanding high-level opening up to the outside world, and promoting high-quality development.

"The Plan ensures that policy adjustments are in line with international prevailing rules and precisely meet the actual needs of China's industrial development, sending a firm signal that China adheres to high-level opening-up," said Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The "Plan" mainly includes three aspects: adjusting the provisional import tax rates; optimizing the tax items in the tax rules; and continuing to implement the agreed tax rates and preferential tax rates.

In terms of adjusting the provisional import tax rates, in order to enhance the linkage effect between domestic and international markets and resources, and expand the supply of high-quality goods, in 2026, provisional import tax rates lower than the most-favored-nation (MFN) tax rates were implemented for 935 items.

First, we should promote high-level technological self-reliance and self-improvement, facilitate the construction of a modern industrial system, and reduce import tariffs on key components such as CNC hydraulic cushions for presses, special-shaped composite contact strips, and advanced materials.

Secondly, it aims to facilitate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development by reducing import tariffs on resource-based commodities such as recycled black powder for lithium-ion batteries and unroasted pyrite.

Zhao Jungui, Vice President of the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation, stated that the adjustments in the petrochemical sector primarily concern varieties such as bio-jet fuel, hydrocarbon-based biodiesel, and recycled black powder for lithium-ion batteries. This reflects the national policy direction of supporting the petrochemical industry in cultivating new productive forces and promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of fossil energy.

Third, we will intensify efforts to ensure and improve people's livelihood, facilitate the accelerated construction of a healthy China, and reduce import tariffs on medical products such as artificial blood vessels and diagnostic kits for certain infectious diseases.

Gao Yuning, Vice Dean of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University, stated that based on the previous years, the continued adjustment and reduction of tariffs on important drugs and medical devices related to people's health reflects the people-centered development concept, which will effectively promote people's health and enhance people's well-being. "In recent years, cardiovascular diseases have become an important public health issue affecting the healthy lives of our people. The reduction of tariffs on artificial blood vessels is expected to benefit a large number of patients.".

"Tariff adjustments not only serve major industries, but also have a direct impact on the daily lives of ordinary people. By reducing tariffs on certain pharmaceuticals and medical devices, we can help increase the supply of quality goods and reduce the medical burden on consumers," said Gao Lingyun.

In addition, to enhance the endogenous driving force within the domestic circulation, and in accordance with changes in domestic industrial development and supply-demand conditions, within the scope of China's commitments made upon joining the World Trade Organization, the temporary import tax rates for goods such as micro-motors, printing machines, and sulfuric acid will be abolished, and the most-favored-nation (MFN) tax rates will be reinstated.

In terms of optimizing tax categories and items, in order to serve technological development and technological progress, support the circular economy and the development of the under-forest economy, domestic sub-items such as intelligent bionic robots, bio-jet fuel, and mountain ginseng grown under forests were added in 2026. After adjustment, the total number of tax categories and items reached 8,972.

"Import and export tariff items are the cornerstone of international trade," said Li Yanxia, Chief Engineer of the China Machinery Industry Federation. Adding tariff items for emerging products such as robots can help industries and enterprises accurately grasp trade data, analyze overseas market development trends, and formulate scientific and efficient development strategies.

In order to continuously deepen economic and trade cooperation and promote regional integrated development, in 2026, based on the 24 free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements signed with 34 trading partners, China will continue to apply agreed tariff rates to certain imported goods originating from these trading partners.

To promote economic and trade cooperation with the least developed countries and assist their development, China will continue to grant zero-tariff treatment to 100% of the tariff lines of products from the 43 least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China in 2026. In accordance with the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement and the exchange of notes between China and relevant ASEAN member governments, China will continue to apply preferential tax rates to certain imported goods originating in Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

"Against the backdrop of rising trade protectionism, China has responded to the uncertain global situation with certain policies, fully demonstrating its responsibility as a contributor to global development," said Gao Lingyun. (Reporter Zeng Jinhua)