BEIJING — China has unveiled its 2026 tariff adjustment plan, lowering provisional import tariffs on hundreds of products linked to advanced technology, green industries and healthcare, as Beijing seeks to strengthen industrial upgrading while expanding access to high-quality imports.
The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council said the revised schedule, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, applies provisional import tariff rates below the most-favored-nation level to 935 product categories. The commission said the changes are intended to improve coordination between domestic and international markets, support high-quality economic development and expand the supply of advanced goods.
The tariff reductions focus on components and materials used in strategic industries, including semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, aviation, renewable energy and lithium-ion batteries. The commission said lower duties are designed to support China's drive for greater technological self-reliance while reducing costs for key industrial inputs.
Healthcare products are also among the main beneficiaries. Tariffs have been reduced on selected medical devices and diagnostic products, including artificial blood vessels and certain diagnostic reagent kits, as part of efforts to improve access to advanced medical technologies and enhance public health services, according to the commission.
In addition to lowering tariffs, China has expanded its tariff schedule from 8,960 to 8,972 product categories by adding new tariff lines covering emerging technologies and sectors such as intelligent bionic robots and bio-aviation kerosene. Officials said the revisions are intended to support scientific and technological innovation, the circular economy and other priority industries.
The government also restored normal most-favored-nation tariff rates for some imports that had previously received temporary reductions, citing changes in domestic industrial development and market supply and demand. Products affected include certain micro motors, printing machinery and sulfuric acid.
China said it will continue applying preferential tariff rates under its network of free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements covering 34 trading partners. It will also maintain zero-tariff treatment on all tariff lines for 43 least-developed countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing, according to official announcements.
The tariff adjustments come as China continues to pursue industrial modernization, support high-end manufacturing and maintain access to critical imported technologies while honoring its existing international trade commitments, according to the State Council's tariff commission.
