Summary of Hainan Duty-Free Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the Hainan duty-free industry, particularly following the new policies implemented in November 2025, which have significantly impacted sales performance and market dynamics [1][2][5]. Key Points and Arguments - **Sales Growth**: In the first week after the new policy implementation, Hainan's offshore duty-free sales increased by over 30% year-on-year, with the new policy contributing approximately 1.5 percentage points to this growth. The primary drivers of this increase were market recovery and strong sales of electronic products, such as Apple smartphones [1][5]. - **Market Structure**: The product category structure in Hainan's duty-free market remains relatively stable. The share of cosmetics has decreased to 40%-45%, while electronic products account for about 15%, potentially rising to 22%-25% during new product launches. Alcoholic beverages represent nearly 10%, and luxury goods account for approximately 20%-25% [1][9]. - **Market Share and Performance**: China Duty Free Group (CDFG) is expected to recover its market share to around 88% in 2025, outperforming other competitors in terms of revenue and profit growth due to internal adjustments and cost control measures [1][6][18]. - **Consumer Segments**: The new policy allowing local residents to purchase duty-free goods is projected to contribute 3%-4% to overall sales. However, the potential of foreign tourists, especially from non-traditional Eastern European markets, is seen as a more significant opportunity [1][13]. - **Future Sales Projections**: Sales in Hainan's duty-free market are expected to steadily exceed 2024 levels, with conservative growth estimates of 7%-8% for 2026. If supported by favorable policies, double-digit growth is also possible [1][15]. Additional Important Insights - **Supply Chain Advantages**: CDFG has a significant advantage in supply chain management compared to other local state-owned enterprises, which face challenges in brand introduction and product diversity. This positions CDFG favorably in the competitive landscape [4][16]. - **Impact of Tax Policies**: The new tax policies will be implemented gradually, ensuring at least a 20% tax rate difference to protect the duty-free advantage. Basic consumer goods will see a reduced tax rate of 3%-5%, with minimal immediate impact on existing product categories [10][21]. - **Operational Challenges for Competitors**: Other operators, such as Hainan Tourism Investment Development Co., are struggling to maintain competitiveness due to operational inefficiencies and supply chain issues. Their market positions are weakening, while CDFG continues to enhance its operational capabilities [17][19]. - **Cost Control**: CDFG's gross margin for cosmetics is approximately 35%, significantly higher than the 15%-18% margins of other operators. This indicates a strong position in cost control and pricing strategy [20]. - **Regulatory Oversight**: The new policy for local residents includes strict regulatory measures to manage risks, with a focus on data analysis and verification processes to ensure compliance [11]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights and projections regarding the Hainan duty-free industry, highlighting the competitive landscape, consumer behavior, and regulatory environment.

Core Insights - The report from CICC highlights the rise of "China Travel" and "China Shopping" due to improved inbound policies and changes in tax refund policies, which are expected to drive growth in the domestic consumption market [1][2] Group 1: Inbound Travel Trends - The optimization of inbound policies has led to a rapid increase in "China Travel," with foreign visitor numbers showing a year-on-year growth of 28% [1] - By the second quarter of 2025, the overall inbound and outbound passenger numbers in mainland China are expected to recover to 96% of the levels seen in the second quarter of 2019 [1] - The average quarterly improvement in foreign visitor numbers has been approximately 5 percentage points since the first quarter of 2024 [1] Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Spending - CICC estimates that the average spending of inbound travelers in China will be $714 in 2024, with a focus on quality experiences, particularly in accommodations [2] - There is significant potential for growth in shopping consumption among foreign visitors, especially for products with unique Chinese characteristics or price advantages, such as luxury goods and domestic electronics [2] - The optimization of tax refund policies in April 2025 is expected to significantly stimulate shopping consumption among inbound travelers [2] Group 3: Airport Consumption Dynamics - Airport consumption is anticipated to benefit slightly from "China Shopping," although there are still some bottlenecks that need to be addressed [2] - Both duty-paid and duty-free shopping at airports are expected to gain from the growth in inbound consumption, but the current impact on performance is limited [2] - Factors such as shopping time, store layout, and tax refund qualifications may restrict the shopping experience for foreign visitors at airports [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growth of inbound tourism in China, driven by optimized entry policies and the rise of "China Shopping," which is expected to provide new growth momentum for the domestic consumption market [2][4]. Group 1: Inbound Tourism Growth - Inbound tourism has seen rapid growth due to continuous optimization of entry policies, with foreign visitor numbers increasing by 28% year-on-year as of 2Q25, recovering to 82% of pre-pandemic levels [4][10]. - The average spending of inbound travelers in China is estimated at 714 USD, with shopping accounting for over 20% of their total expenditure [19][21]. - The recovery of inbound tourism is uneven, with foreign visitors still on a steady upward trend, while overall inbound travel has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels [10][14]. Group 2: "China Shopping" Trends - The "China Shopping" trend is characterized by foreign tourists focusing on unique and competitively priced products, particularly luxury goods, domestic electronics, and traditional or trendy local products [4][28]. - The relaxation of tax refund policies in April 2025 has significantly stimulated shopping consumption, with tax refund sales increasing by 95% year-on-year in the first half of 2025 [26][28]. - Inbound tourists prefer products that are either unique to China or have a price advantage, indicating a potential for growth in shopping consumption [28][29]. Group 3: Airport Consumption Insights - Airport consumption is expected to benefit slightly from the growth in "China Shopping," although the impact on performance is currently limited due to factors such as shopping time, store layout, and tax refund qualifications [5][30]. - Both duty-free and taxable commercial sectors at airports have the potential to benefit from increased inbound consumption, but current limitations may hinder effective engagement with foreign customers [30][32]. - The preference for fragrance products among Chinese travelers is significantly higher compared to travelers from other countries, indicating a unique consumption pattern [32].