Core Viewpoint - The Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP) is set to officially start its customs closure on December 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone in China's efforts to expand its openness and establish a new economic system [1] Group 1: Hainan FTP Development - The policy and institutional framework for Hainan FTP has been initially established over the past five years since the release of the overall plan in June 2020 [1] - The customs closure will create a special customs supervision area across Hainan Island, implementing a policy characterized by "freeing up the first line, controlling the second line, and allowing freedom within the island" [1] Group 2: Six Aspects of Accelerating Openness - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) will focus on six areas to enhance openness, including establishing a free and secure trade management system, expanding the range of zero-tariff goods, and improving the investment environment [2][3] - A transparent and predictable investment environment will be created by relaxing foreign investment access and implementing a commitment-based entry system [2] - Financial policies will be gradually established to support open development, including expanding the functions of multi-functional free trade accounts [2] - More convenient entry and exit management policies will be implemented, including relaxed restrictions on personnel movement and improved visa policies [2] Group 3: Taxation and Fiscal Policies - The Ministry of Finance is working on tax policies related to the customs closure, including the implementation of zero-tariff policies and adjustments to the import tax list [4][5] - The Ministry will continue to implement current preferential tax policies to attract high-end talent and quality enterprises to Hainan [5] - Research on sales tax reform is underway, aiming to simplify the tax system and adapt it to the needs of the Hainan FTP [6] Group 4: Customs and Processing Policies - The General Administration of Customs has optimized the processing and value-added tax exemption policy, allowing goods processed in Hainan to be exempt from import duties if they meet certain value-added criteria [7][8] - The threshold for companies to benefit from the exemption has been lowered, and the range of applicable imported materials has been expanded [7][8] Group 5: Trade Management and Openness - The Ministry of Commerce is developing a list of prohibited and restricted import and export goods, enhancing the transparency and openness of trade management [9][10] - The list will allow for the relaxation of management measures on certain imported goods, significantly increasing the openness of trade in Hainan [10]

Core Viewpoint - The Hainan Free Trade Port is set to officially start its full closure operation on December 18, 2025, with a focus on tax reform and enhancing international competitiveness to support its development [1][4]. Tax Reform and Policies - The Ministry of Finance will continue to deepen tax reforms, including the gradual advancement of sales tax reform, which involves the consolidation of multiple taxes such as VAT, consumption tax, and vehicle purchase tax [1][2]. - The overall requirement for tax reform under the Hainan Free Trade Port construction plan is to implement zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified tax systems in a phased manner [2][3]. - Key areas of focus for tax policy include maintaining current corporate and personal income tax incentives, expanding the range of zero-tariff goods, and optimizing the duty-free shopping policy for outbound tourists [2][3]. Consumer and Tourism Development - The government plans to allow island residents to purchase certain imported products tax-free, enhancing their shopping experience [3]. - Hainan aims to attract 97.2 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, marking an 8% increase from the previous year, with a significant rise in inbound tourists [5]. - The province is focused on creating a modern industrial system with a strong emphasis on duty-free shopping, healthcare, and education, aiming to enhance the overall tourism experience [5].

Core Viewpoint - The Hainan Free Trade Port is set to officially start its closure operation on December 18, 2025, following five years of construction and the establishment of a preliminary policy system [1] Group 1: Tax Policy Changes - After the closure, independent legal entities registered in Hainan Free Trade Port will be exempt from import taxes on goods outside the taxable item catalog [1] - The range of "zero tariff" goods will expand significantly from 1,900 to approximately 6,600 tax items, covering about 74% of all goods, an increase of nearly 53 percentage points compared to before the closure [2] - The threshold for the processing value-added goods to be exempt from tariffs has been lowered, allowing more enterprises to benefit from the policy [2] Group 2: Ongoing Tax Reforms - The Ministry of Finance has introduced multiple tax policies, including duty-free shopping for outbound tourists and preferential corporate and personal income tax rates [3] - The Ministry will continue to implement existing tax incentives to attract high-end talent and quality enterprises to Hainan [4] - The Ministry plans to actively research tax policies for imported goods consumed by local residents, allowing for duty-free purchases of certain imported products [4]