Beijing – Hainan Province’s Haikou customs department monitored unprecedented duty-free retail on the island, totaling 2.072 billion yuan during the 2026 Spring Festival holidays. That’s 30.8% more than the previous year, signaling strong recovery and growth in tourism-driven commerce.
Nearly 2 million items (1.997 million precisely) changed hands, up 21.9%, as 325,000 shopping trips were recorded – a 35.4% uplift. The data reveals a festive frenzy, amplified by Hainan’s unique tax exemptions.
Imports under the FTP’s zero-tariff scheme reached 48.6 million yuan, with 9.42 million yuan in tax waivers. This mechanism is pivotal in maintaining competitive pricing and attracting international brands.
The FTP’s operational edge during holidays drove 1.426 billion yuan in imports at Hainan Port, focusing on vital resources such as crude oil and coal. Exports totaled 344 million yuan, led by chemicals and rapeseed oil.
As China advances its free trade experiments, Hainan’s success story offers a blueprint for integrating trade, tourism, and consumption. Future expansions could further elevate its global profile.