Core Points - Jilin Province will implement a tax refund policy for outbound travelers starting September 1, 2025, aimed at boosting tourism, expanding inbound consumption, and optimizing the international business environment [1] - The tax refund policy allows outbound travelers to receive a refund of the value-added tax (VAT) on personal items purchased at designated stores, with refund amounts typically ranging from 8% to 9% of the product price [1] - The policy is expected to enhance Jilin's attractiveness as a shopping destination, driving growth in various sectors such as dining, accommodation, and transportation [1] Implementation Details - The first three designated tax refund ports are Changchun Longjia International Airport, Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport, and Hunchun Port, chosen for their high traveler flow and adequate infrastructure [1] - China Bank Jilin Branch has been appointed as the exclusive tax refund agency, providing multilingual services and various refund methods at dedicated windows in the designated ports [1][2] - Over 50 merchants have been approved as the first batch of tax refund stores, covering 19 cities and counties, including well-known local and foreign brands to meet diverse shopping needs [2] Coordination and Efficiency - A joint meeting system led by the Finance Department, involving multiple agencies such as taxation, commerce, culture, tourism, and customs, has been established to ensure smooth policy implementation [2] - The tax refund process has been digitized through a unified information management system, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational risks [2] - Training for staff at tax refund stores and agencies has been conducted to ensure travelers understand the process and can receive refunds quickly [2] Strategic Importance - The implementation of the tax refund policy reflects Jilin's commitment to national consumption promotion and foreign trade stabilization policies, marking a significant step in service industry reform and the development of a comprehensive tourism framework [3] - The policy aims to improve the business environment, expand the tourism service system, and enhance the internationalization of consumption in Jilin, thereby increasing competitiveness in the global tourism market, particularly for attracting tourists from neighboring countries like Russia, South Korea, and Japan [3]

Group 1 - China has announced a 30-day visa-free policy for Russian passport holders, effective from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, which will enhance cultural and economic ties between the two countries [1] - The new policy eliminates the previous group travel restrictions, allowing broader individual travel needs, while Russia plans to extend the electronic visa stay period for Chinese citizens to 30 days [1] - The tourism business between China and Russia is experiencing significant growth, with an estimated 3 million Russian tourists expected to visit China in 2024 [1] Group 2 - Following the announcement of the new visa policy, there has been a surge in interest among Russian citizens to travel to China, with ticket sales doubling and hotel searches increasing by 5 to 9 times [3] - China has implemented unilateral visa exemptions for 75 countries and transit visa exemptions for 55 countries, facilitating foreign visitors to enter China [3] - From July 1 to August 28, over 3.95 million people entered and exited Beijing, marking a 10.6% year-on-year increase [3] Group 3 - The introduction of enhanced departure tax refund policies has further boosted the inbound tourism market, with the minimum refund threshold lowered from 500 yuan to 200 yuan [4] - The number of departure tax refund stores has significantly increased, exceeding 7,200, with a 186% year-on-year growth in the number of people benefiting from the refunds [4] - Sales of tax refund goods and the total amount refunded have seen substantial increases of 94.6% and 93.2% year-on-year, respectively [4]

Core Points - The Ministry of Commerce held a routine press conference on August 28, 2025, with no new information announced [1][2] - The press conference included discussions on the implementation of the "Ten Partnership Actions" proposed by President Xi Jinping at the 2024 China-Africa Cooperation Forum, highlighting the deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa [4][5] Group 1: China-Africa Economic Cooperation - The "Trade Prosperity" initiative has led to closer ties, with China supporting the least developed African countries through zero-tariff treatment on 100% of product categories, resulting in a 10.2% year-on-year increase in imports from these countries, totaling $39.66 billion from January to July [5] - The "Industrial Chain Cooperation" has enhanced investment quality and efficiency, with Chinese companies investing in various sectors in Africa, contributing to a rise in local processing rates from 15% to 45% [5] - The "Green Development" initiative has fostered cooperation in emerging fields, with Chinese companies implementing numerous clean energy projects in Africa and promoting digital economy collaboration [6] Group 2: Domestic Consumption and Trade Policies - The number of duty-free shops for inbound tourists has increased significantly, exceeding 7,200, with a 95% year-on-year growth in tax refund sales [7][8] - The Ministry of Commerce is focused on expanding inbound consumption by enhancing the shopping environment and optimizing tax refund policies, aiming to attract more foreign visitors [8] - The Ministry is also working on supporting foreign trade enterprises through policy reinforcement, financial assistance, and market diversification strategies [10]

Core Insights - The number of inbound foreign visitors exceeded 19 million in the first half of the year, representing a 30% year-on-year increase [1] - The number of tax refund stores has increased significantly, with tax refund sales rising by 95% year-on-year [1] Group 1: Inbound Consumption - Inbound consumption is identified as a crucial area for expanding overall consumption, with significant growth potential [1] - The Ministry of Commerce is actively collaborating with relevant departments to address challenges and focus on key areas to continuously expand inbound consumption [1] Group 2: Policy and Environment - The Ministry of Commerce is promoting the revitalization of key urban commercial areas and upgrading business formats to enhance the "Shopping in China" experience [1] - There are ongoing efforts to optimize tax refund policies and broaden foreign currency and card payment channels, contributing to the rising popularity of "China Tours" and "China Shopping" [1] Group 3: Future Plans - The Ministry of Commerce plans to further expand inbound consumption by fostering an international first-class consumption environment and accelerating the development of international consumption center cities [1] - Future initiatives include implementing localized tax refund policies, optimizing the layout of tax refund stores, enriching product offerings, and enhancing service levels [1] - The Ministry will guide localities in creating signature "Shopping in China" events and organizing diverse promotional activities to innovate consumption scenarios that integrate travel, culture, and sports [1]

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of the departure tax refund policy in Jilin Province starting September 1, 2025, aims to enhance the shopping experience for international travelers and stimulate domestic consumption [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - The departure tax refund policy allows international travelers to receive VAT refunds on purchases made at designated stores upon leaving the country [1]. - Multiple regions, including Sichuan, Guangxi, Beijing, and Chongqing, have introduced new measures related to departure tax refunds to better meet the needs of international tourists [1]. Group 2: Economic Impact - Attracting international tourists and expanding inbound consumption is a key direction for China's economic development [2]. - The expansion of departure tax refund policies is expected to increase tourism revenue and promote the growth of retail, dining, and accommodation sectors, contributing to a more mature domestic consumption market [1]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Recent statistics indicate a significant increase in inbound tourism, with 131.9 million visitors in 2024, marking a 60.8% growth [3]. - Inbound tourists tend to frequent large shopping centers and are particularly interested in Chinese products such as silk, tea, and traditional ceramics, with domestic electronics also gaining popularity due to their cost-effectiveness [3]. Group 4: Policy Optimization - Data from the National Taxation Administration shows a substantial increase in departure tax refund stores, exceeding 7,200, with a 186% rise in the number of refund recipients [4]. - Experts suggest that there is still room for optimization in the departure tax refund policy, recommending a comprehensive system that enhances connectivity among customs, taxation, payment, and logistics to facilitate immediate refunds and postal tax refunds [4].

Core Insights - The Ministry of Commerce aims to enhance the implementation of the departure tax refund policy and optimize the layout of tax refund stores to boost inbound consumption [1][2] Group 1: Inbound Consumption Growth - In the first half of this year, over 19 million inbound foreign visitors were recorded, representing a 30% year-on-year increase [1] - The number of departure tax refund stores has increased significantly, with tax refund consumption amounting to a 95% year-on-year growth [1] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - The Ministry plans to cultivate a world-class consumption environment by accelerating the development of international consumption center cities and conducting pilot projects for international consumption environment construction [2] - There will be efforts to optimize the layout of tax refund stores, enrich product offerings, and enhance service levels [2] - The Ministry will guide localities to continuously create signature "Shopping in China" events and organize diverse consumer promotion activities, integrating shopping with travel, culture, and sports [2]

Core Point - Jilin Province will implement a tax refund policy for outbound travelers starting September 1, 2025, allowing them to receive refunds on value-added tax for goods purchased in designated stores [1] Group 1 - The tax refund policy for outbound travelers is aimed at enhancing the shopping experience for foreign visitors [1] - The policy will be applicable to all eligible regions across the country, subject to approval from the Ministry of Finance, General Administration of Customs, and the State Taxation Administration [1] - The implementation of this policy is expected to boost tourism and retail sectors in Jilin Province [1]

Core Viewpoint - Chongqing has expanded its duty-free shopping program for outbound tourists, increasing the number of duty-free shops to 208 and establishing three centralized refund points, significantly enhancing the convenience for inbound tourists [1][3]. Group 1: Duty-Free Policy and Expansion - The duty-free policy allows foreign travelers to receive tax refunds on eligible purchases made at designated stores, playing a crucial role in attracting tourists and stimulating consumption [1]. - From January to July this year, the sales of duty-free goods and the amount of tax refunds processed in Chongqing have both increased nearly fivefold year-on-year [1]. Group 2: Centralized Refund Points - In August, Chongqing established its first three centralized refund points in popular shopping districts, transitioning from individual store refund models to a more efficient centralized system [3]. - This new model alleviates the burden of individual shops needing to maintain cash for refunds, thereby improving service efficiency for outbound tourists [3][4]. Group 3: Local Product Promotion - The Chongqing tax authority is encouraging local brands and specialty products to apply as duty-free shops, enhancing the variety of goods available for tourists [3]. - Notable local products include traditional items from well-known brands, such as copper crafts and local snacks, which are now available for tax refunds [3]. Group 4: Service Efficiency and Training - Staff at the centralized refund points are trained to assist tourists with the refund process, ensuring accurate and timely service [4]. - The implementation of this system is expected to enhance Chongqing's attractiveness as an international consumption center, promoting tourism and related industries [4].

Core Viewpoint - Jilin Province will implement a tax refund policy for overseas travelers starting from September 1, 2025, allowing them to receive refunds on value-added tax for goods purchased in designated stores [1] Group 1: Policy Implementation - The tax refund policy for overseas travelers is a measure to enhance shopping incentives for foreign visitors [1] - The policy will be applicable to all eligible regions across the country, subject to approval from the Ministry of Finance, General Administration of Customs, and the State Taxation Administration [1] - Jilin Province has submitted its implementation plan for the tax refund policy to the relevant authorities and has received approval [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant recovery and growth of China's inbound tourism market, driven by factors such as the expansion of visa-free policies and the increasing interest of foreign tourists in exploring smaller cities beyond major urban centers [1][7][12]. Group 1: Market Recovery and Growth - Inbound tourism in Beijing has seen a remarkable resurgence, with a 48.8% year-on-year increase in the number of inbound tourists in the first half of 2025, totaling 2.467 million visitors [5]. - The total tourism expenditure reached $3.2 billion, marking a 51.3% increase compared to the previous year [5]. - The number of cities foreign tourists are booking flights to has increased to 144, with a notable rise in bookings for third-tier and lower cities [1][11]. Group 2: Changes in Tourist Demographics - The proportion of European tourists has significantly increased, with 80% of them being first-time visitors to China, indicating a shift from primarily American tourists to a more diverse international clientele [5][6]. - The implementation of visa-free policies for 54 countries has been a key factor in attracting more tourists, particularly from Europe [7][8]. Group 3: Tourism Trends and Preferences - There is a growing trend towards customized and small group tours, with a shift from traditional longer tours to shorter, personalized experiences [3][5]. - Tourists are increasingly interested in exploring lesser-known destinations, with significant growth in flight bookings to cities like Datong and Yiwu, which saw increases of 900% and 260% respectively [11][12]. Group 4: Economic Impact and Policy Initiatives - The inbound tourism sector is projected to contribute approximately 0.5% to China's GDP, with potential for growth as it aligns more closely with global averages of 1% to 3% [8]. - The Chinese government is actively promoting policies to enhance the inbound tourism experience, including the expansion of tax refund services and the introduction of new travel routes [7][8]. Group 5: Challenges and Industry Upgrades - Despite the recovery, challenges remain, particularly in adapting payment systems for foreign tourists, who often face difficulties with mobile payment methods [14][15]. - The industry is responding to these challenges with service upgrades, such as the introduction of an international card for transportation and entry to attractions in Beijing [15].