Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Commerce issued the second batch of Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) linkage innovation zones plan, designating 5 national economic development zones as linkage zones. Aiming to build high-vitality zones in 3-5 years via leading industries, replicate innovations. Tianjin FTZ has 686 institutional innovations (49 national replicated) in 10 years. The 5 zones' characteristic industries will accelerate with FTZ policies; implementation requirements are set.

The Ministry of Commerce and other departments adjusted and published the Catalogue of Services Encouraged to Import, repealing a prior announcement. The directory follows three principles: meeting domestic urgent needs (productive services for new productive forces/green transformation, livelihood services for better life), connecting with existing encouraged sectors, excluding prohibited or national security-harmful services.

China has over 5.32 million domestic effective invention patents (first globally to exceed 5 million), holds 60% of global AI patents & ~2/3 robot patents, leads in PCT green patent applications, with improved patent protection and is a patent powerhouse.

On Feb 9, 103.5 tons of imported recycled aluminum arrived at Chongqing Yongchuan Port, marking Chongqing's first pilot of optimized customs supervision for such materials via river-sea intermodal transport. Purchased by Chongqing Xinge, it entered via Shanghai Waigaoqiao, was water-transported directly to Yongchuan, supervised by Chongqing Customs, and put into production. The model cuts costs (12000 yuan per container), solves capacity bottlenecks, and benefits downstream enterprises.

Zhejiang's first urban duty-free shop opened in Hangzhou before Spring Festival 2026, offering city shopping with airport pick-up. Supported by Hangzhou Customs' smart supervision, it plans to introduce Zhejiang's high-quality products, benefiting outbound travelers and local brands.

Recently, 18.9 tons of Danish spinach seeds arrived at Qingdao Port under the General Administration of Customs' "conditional removal of imported seedlings" policy. This measure boosts seedling survival rate to over 95% and cuts costs, with Qingdao Dagang Customs offering one-stop services for agricultural seed imports.

Pazhou Port's departure tax refund point starts trial operation on Feb 15 and official use on Mar 1. Guangzhou Customs optimizes services to ensure smooth operation, filling the port's tax refund service gap, and supported Spring Festival peak travel with efficient customs clearance and tax refund.

During 2026 Spring Festival, Zhuhai Highway Port of Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge saw traffic peak. Gongbei Customs released 199k inbound/outbound cars (38.2% YoY) and 152k Hong Kong/Macau single license plate vehicles (63.4% YoY), with Feb 22 hitting historical highs. Reasons include self-driving needs, policies, two-way travel trend. Customs took measures like dynamic deployment, tech to ensure efficient clearance.

Dayaowan Customs released 1452.45 tons of imported seeds/fertilizers and 82 agricultural machines (valued 22.4024 million yuan, +30.96% YoY) in Jan. It adopted measures like big data platform and dedicated post to facilitate clearance for spring plowing preparation.

According to Chinese customs, China-Germany goods trade reached 1.51 trillion yuan in 2025 (up 5.2% YoY). Germany is China's top EU trade partner, China returns as Germany's largest. Mechanical and electrical products dominate, with autos, electronics and emerging products like 3D printers noted. Both are win-win comprehensive strategic partners.

On February 15th, Sun Meijun, Director General of the General Administration of Customs, conducted a video inspection of key ports on the first day of the Spring Festival holiday, extended greetings to frontline staff, and deployed measures for smooth customs clearance, emergency response, and risk prevention. Zhang Baofeng accompanied the inspection.

On February 24, China's Ministry of Commerce issued two announcements adding 20 Japanese entities to export control list (military-related) and 20 to watchlist (dual-use end-user verification issues). Measures aim to stop Japan's remilitarization, are legitimate and won't affect normal China-Japan trade.