Shenzhen seeks to boost imports with 10 measures

Shenzhen unveiled a three-year action plan aimed at significantly expanding imports March 30, offering clear policy incentives and practical pathways for overseas exporters seeking to enter the dynamic South China market.

The package, informally referred to as the “10 Import Measures,” outlines key product categories and support mechanisms that Shenzhen will prioritize over the next three years.

Ties with ASEAN, Africa, emerging markets stressed

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting is set to be held in Shenzhen in November 2026. The city plans to host a series of import promotion events to encourage local firms to source more high-quality goods from APEC economies, with a particular focus on expanding imports of intermediate goods from ASEAN economies.

Meanwhile, the plan highlights opportunities related to Africa, stressing imports of high-quality products from the continent. It also emphasized the import of products from Portuguese-speaking countries, including coffee, wine, and soybeans and Shenzhen’s Qianhai area will work with Macao to create a dedicated distribution hub for these products.

Imports of high-end manufacturing products encouraged

The plan also prioritizes the import of advanced machinery and critical components that support Shenzhen’s “20+8” industrial development initiatives, which aim to develop the city’s strategic emerging industry sectors. 

Tailored customs supervision will be implemented for items such as integrated circuits and flat-panel display modules. Imported used auto parts are also encouraged for R&D and testing purposes.

Consumer goods and health economy

The plan notes that Shenzhen aims to become a national hub for imported fruits featuring direct overseas sourcing, effective cold-chain logistics, warehousing, and distribution.

The city also welcomes overseas exporters of daily consumer goods, aquatic and agricultural products, premium brands, and medical and rehabilitation equipment, with showrooms in prime commercial districts established to showcase these products.

International brands are also encouraged to open their first stores or flagship locations in Shenzhen.

The plan also emphasizes trade facilitation, including differentiated customs inspection procedures and tariff exemptions. Commodities, energy trade, and cross-border e-commerce imports are also highlighted.

As a major gateway for foreign goods entering China, Shenzhen has seen consistent growth in import volumes. According to official data, imports rose from 1.42 trillion yuan in 2023 to 1.81 trillion yuan in 2025, reflecting annual growth rates of 19.6% and 8% respectively.

With this latest action plan, the city aims to build on this momentum to strengthen its role as a hub linking global supply chains with the Chinese market. (INFO Guangdong)