by XIN Yuan

China will expand tax rebates and other measures to attract foreign spending, officials said on Monday, as policymakers seek to boost domestic demand.

At a State Council Information Office briefing on Monday, SHENG Qiuping, vice minister of commerce, said an upgraded departure tax refund scheme will make shopping easier and cheaper for overseas visitors, alongside steps to encourage purchases of domestic and overseas goods.

The remarks were made as officials outlined plans for the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo, which will run from April 13 to 18 in Hainan province.

Inbound consumption is seen as key to improving China's balance of payments and upgrading its services sector, officials said.

Official data showed 82.035 million cross-border trips by foreign nationals in 2025, up 26.4% year on year. During the Spring Festival holiday, cross-border trips by foreign nationals reached 1.313 million, with visa-free entries totaling 460,000.

The commerce ministry has issued a policy package with 16 measures to expand inbound consumption, including boosting tourism, business travel and related services, while expanding tax refund stores and improving services.

The Hainan expo is expected to draw more than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions, with overseas exhibitors accounting for 65%, up 20 percentage points from last year.

Canada, the guest country of honor, will set up a 400 sq meter national pavilion and bring nearly 40 companies, showcasing products including cosmetics, agricultural goods and health supplements. Switzerland, Czech Republic and Ireland are among 12 countries and regions organizing official delegations, while Russia and Bulgaria will debut national pavilions.

Authorities will also host more than 20 consumption events nationwide, while promoting major events such as the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, which drew over 200,000 spectators, about 20% from overseas.

China will further develop globally competitive consumption hubs to strengthen its appeal to global shoppers, Sheng said.