Core Viewpoint - The proposal by Tsinghua University economist Li Daokui to issue 1 trillion yuan in consumer subsidies has sparked debate, with supporters calling it a "precise market rescue" and opponents questioning its effectiveness in addressing fundamental issues in the economy [1]. Group 1: Subsidy Mechanism and Multiplicative Effect - Li Daokui's logic is based on the "subsidy multiplier effect," suggesting that a 1 yuan fiscal subsidy could stimulate 4 yuan in consumer spending, with a potential 200 billion yuan investment leading to a total consumption increase of 1 trillion yuan [3]. - Historical data from cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai indicate that consumption vouchers have achieved a multiplier effect of 3-4 times, with even higher effects in less developed areas [3]. Group 2: Challenges to the Subsidy Logic - Consumer willingness has a "ceiling," as evidenced by a 13%-14% year-on-year decline in retail sales in Beijing and Shanghai in 2024, indicating that subsidies may only be used for necessities rather than stimulating large-scale consumption [4]. - There is a structural imbalance where high-income groups have low marginal propensity to consume, while low-income groups are constrained by savings and debt, leading to a situation where subsidies may convert into savings rather than spending [4]. Group 3: Consumption Decline in Major Cities - In 2024, retail sales in Beijing and Shanghai fell by 2.8%-3.1%, despite a 6.8% growth in service consumption, highlighting three paradoxes: high income does not equate to high consumption, service consumption upgrades are misaligned with traditional retail data, and online consumption is replacing offline without adequate digital transformation [6]. Group 4: Policy Tools for Stimulating Consumption - The debate on stimulating consumption has led to differing opinions on policy tools: direct cash payments are effective in the short term but may lead to inflation, while increasing income is a long-term solution that takes time to implement [9]. - A combination of short-term vouchers and long-term income increases is suggested, including targeted subsidies for durable goods and tax reforms to expand the middle-income group [10]. Group 5: Policy Recommendations - Recommendations include precise distribution of consumption vouchers, addressing barriers in service consumption, promoting "lifestyle entrepreneurship," and enhancing digital infrastructure for offline merchants [12]. Group 6: Conclusion on Subsidy Effectiveness - While subsidies are not a panacea, they may be a necessary step in transitioning China's economy from investment-driven to consumption-driven, with the potential to alleviate inventory pressures and boost market confidence in the short term [14].
身份证消费补贴25%:李稻葵的万亿刺激计划能激活内需吗?
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-04-29 09:00