图文实录 | 国新办举行新闻发布会 介绍优化离境退税政策扩大入境消费有关情况

Core Points - The Chinese government has announced the optimization of the departure tax refund policy to enhance inbound consumption, marking the 10th anniversary of the policy's implementation [4][5][21] - The new measures aim to improve the convenience of shopping for foreign travelers, increase the number of tax refund stores, and expand the range of products eligible for tax refunds [7][10][22] Group 1: Policy Background and Objectives - The departure tax refund policy is a common international practice, implemented in over 50 countries, aimed at refunding VAT to foreign travelers upon their departure [4] - The policy is aligned with the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, focusing on improving the living convenience for foreign visitors [5] - In 2024, foreign travelers' total spending reached $94.2 billion, a 77.8% increase, indicating significant growth potential for inbound consumption [5] Group 2: Key Measures of the New Policy - The minimum purchase amount for tax refunds has been reduced from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, making it easier for travelers to qualify for refunds [10][22] - The cash refund limit has been increased from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, allowing for more flexible payment options for travelers [22] - The policy includes eight specific measures to enhance the number of tax refund stores, diversify product offerings, and improve service quality [7][10] Group 3: Expected Impact on Inbound Consumption - The measures are expected to significantly boost inbound consumption, which currently accounts for about 0.5% of China's GDP, compared to 1% to 3% in other major countries [5][22] - The optimization of the departure tax refund policy is anticipated to attract more foreign tourists, thereby promoting cultural and economic exchanges [6][7] - The introduction of the "immediate refund" service allows travelers to receive their tax refunds at the point of purchase, enhancing the shopping experience [39][40] Group 4: Implementation and Future Plans - The Ministry of Commerce will work with relevant departments to ensure the effective implementation of the new policy and improve the quality of tax refund services [7][22] - The government plans to promote the policy through various channels to increase awareness among foreign travelers [11][35] - Future initiatives will focus on expanding the coverage of tax refund stores and enhancing the supply of quality products to meet the needs of foreign visitors [35][49]