种类更多、店铺更全！离境退税再次扩围，激活入境消费市场

Core Viewpoint - The optimization of the "departure tax refund" policy in China aims to enhance the shopping experience for foreign tourists, thereby stimulating inbound consumption and promoting cultural exchange [2][6]. Policy Implementation - The Chinese government has implemented a series of measures to facilitate inbound tourism, including visa exemptions for 38 countries and extended transit visa policies for 54 countries [2]. - The "departure tax refund" policy has been in place since 2015, and its optimization coincides with its 10th anniversary [2][6]. Economic Impact - In 2024, China is expected to receive 26.94 million foreign tourists, a 96% increase year-on-year, with total spending reaching $94.2 billion, up 77.8% [2]. - The share of inbound tourist spending in China's GDP is projected to be about 0.5% by 2024, compared to 1% to 3% in major countries, indicating significant growth potential [6]. Tax Refund Details - The tax refund rate is set at 11%, allowing foreign tourists to receive up to 1,100 RMB for every 10,000 RMB spent, although actual refunds are typically around 900 RMB after fees [3]. - The number of foreign tourists benefiting from the tax refund has been increasing, with significant growth reported in various regions [4][7]. Policy Optimization Measures - The new policy aims to address issues such as the limited number of tax refund stores and the lack of diverse shopping options for foreign tourists [8][9]. - The minimum purchase amount for tax refunds has been lowered from 500 RMB to 200 RMB, making it easier for more shops, including local specialty stores, to participate [10][11]. Simplification of Processes - The tax refund process has been streamlined, allowing for immediate refunds at the point of sale and increasing the cash refund limit from 10,000 RMB to 20,000 RMB [12][13]. - The tax authority has improved the efficiency of the tax refund management system, reducing wait times for tourists [13].