China will further cut import tariffs for daily consumer goods starting July 1, the State Council decided at an executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on May 30.

The progress that China has made over the past 40 years shows continuous opening-up has boosted reform and development, which must be unswervingly implemented, noted Premier Li.

“The tariff cuts contribute not only to expanding opening-up but also meeting the growing demands of the people and promoting quality production and industrial upgrading,” the Premier said.

The average tariff rate for clothing, shoes and hats, kitchenware, and sports and fitness supplies will be reduced from 15.9 percent to 7.1 percent, and that for home appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators will decrease from 20.5 percent to 8 percent.

The average tariff rate for cultured and fished aquatic products and processed food such as mineral water will be cut from 15.2 percent to 6.9 percent, according to a statement released after the meeting.

The average tariff rate for detergents, cosmetics such as skin care and hair care products, and some medicine and health products will be cut from 8.4 percent to 2.9 percent.

When delivering the Government Work Report this March, Premier Li Keqiang demanded the reduction of import tariffs on some daily consumer goods and the promotion of industrial upgrades and balanced development of trade by opening the market wider and offering more choices for Chinese consumers.

Lowing tariffs on daily consumer goods is a choice China made on its own, said Premier Li at the State Council executive meeting on May 30.

Amid complicated international situations and the rise of protectionism, China actively expands its imports, said Premier Li. “It demonstrates the country’s determination and confidence in further opening-up. It is beneficial to both China and the world at large.”

As the world’s largest developing country, China is still at the primary stage of socialism and still has a long way to go to realize modernization, said Premier Li.

China will stick to the path of driving reform through higher-level opening-up, said the Premier. “China’s door will only open wider and wider.”

He called on related departments to implement concrete measures to cut tariffs and prevent price increases and profit gains in intermediate links and to enable consumers to get real benefits.