China to further cut import tariffs for daily consumer goods

China will further cut import tariffs for daily consumer goods starting July 1, the State Council decided at an executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.

The average tariff rate for clothing, shoes and hats, kitchenware, and sports and fitness supplies will be reduced from 15.9 percent to 7.1 percent, and that for home appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators from 20.5 percent to 8 percent.

The average tariff rate for cultured and fished aquatic products and processed food such as mineral water will be cut from 15.2 percent to 6.9 percent, according to a statement released after the meeting.

The average tariff rate for detergents, cosmetics such as skin care and hair care products, and some medicine and health products will be cut from 8.4 percent to 2.9 percent.

The cabinet called the tariff cuts a move conducive to expanding opening-up, meeting the demands of the people and boosting quality and industrial upgrading.

China will roll out a series of measures to create a fairer, more transparent, and easier investment environment for foreign-funded companies, including relaxing market access, enhancing investment facilitation, and better protecting legitimate interests of foreign investors, said the statement.

The State Council also decided to establish a rehabilitation and assistance system for children with disabilities. From Oct. 1, children with visual, hearing, speech, physical, or mental disabilities, and children on the autism spectrum will be provided with assistance including operations, assistive devices, and rehabilitation training.