China will cut import tariffs on some consumer products from the start of next month, the finance ministry announced on Friday.
The move comes amid long-standing complaints from nations including the United States about China’s trade surplus with many of its trading partners. The Trump administration, in particular, has complained about unfair trade barriers limiting the sale of foreign goods in China.
Tariffs on products such as food, health supplements, pharmaceuticals, clothing and recreational products will be reduced to an average of 7.7 per cent from 17.3 per cent, a notice from the ministry said.
“This round of cuts concentrates on products in short supply domestically and will provide more choice for domestic consumers and guide the upgrade of domestic supplies,” the ministry said.
