China to Reduce Import Tariffs on Ethane and Recycled Materials

SHANGHAI (Reuters) – China will lower import tariffs on ethane and select recycled copper and aluminium raw materials starting next year, according to a government announcement on Saturday.

The Ministry of Finance revealed that adjustments to various import tariff categories will take effect on January 1. The aim is to increase imports of high-quality products, boost domestic demand, and support high-level opening-up, as stated in a press release.

Provisional import tariffs below most-favored-nation rates will apply to 935 items. The reduction in tariffs for ethane and certain recycled materials is part of a push for green and low-carbon development.

While tariffs on some items, such as molasses and sugar-containing pre-mixed powders, will increase, reductions will be applied to cyclic olefin polymers, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and automatic transmissions for specialized vehicles (like fire trucks and repair vehicles).

Moreover, import tariffs will be cut on sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, viral vectors for CAR-T tumor therapy, and nickel-titanium alloy wires used for surgical implants.

Additionally, the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement will take effect on January 1, initiating tariff reductions, the ministry reported.