入境消费增长潜力巨大，6部门发文优化离境退税政策

Core Viewpoint - The optimization of the departure tax refund policy is aimed at enhancing inbound consumption and promoting domestic products and culture abroad [2][4]. Group 1: Policy Announcement - The Ministry of Commerce and five other departments released a notification to improve the departure tax refund policy, addressing issues such as the limited number of refund stores and the need for more diverse product offerings [2][5]. - The notification includes eight policy measures to make tax refunds more convenient and satisfying for foreign travelers [2]. Group 2: Inbound Consumption Potential - Inbound traveler spending is projected to reach $94.2 billion in 2024, representing a 77.8% increase [3]. - Currently, inbound consumption accounts for approximately 0.5% of China's GDP, while it ranges from 1% to 3% in major countries, indicating significant growth potential [3]. Group 3: Policy Highlights - The notification emphasizes three main highlights: expanding the number of refund stores, increasing the variety of products available for tax refund, and improving service efficiency [5][6]. - The threshold for tax refunds has been lowered from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, allowing more local specialty and souvenir shops to participate [5][6]. Group 4: Service Improvements - The policy aims to enhance the convenience of the tax refund process by streamlining procedures and promoting the "buy and refund" service nationwide [6][7]. - The tax authority plans to continue optimizing tax services and encourage more stores to offer the "buy and refund" service, improving the overall consumer experience for foreign travelers [7].