Hainan Offshore Duty-Free Sales Hit 159 Million During Spring Festival

Hainan has reported impressive duty-free sales, achieving a total of 159 million dollars during the first week of the Spring Festival, a period that has historically marked a surge in consumer spending. This surge can be attributed to a combination of favorable policy changes and a significant recovery in tourism.

The week from February 2 to 8 stands out as the first Spring Festival travel rush following the launch of special customs operations island-wide on December 18, 2025. According to industry experts, these figures indicate a robust momentum in Hainan's duty-free market, fueled by policy incentives, the rebound of tourism, and heightened festive consumer enthusiasm.

Shop visits during this week reached approximately 191,900, marking a 26 percent increase from the previous month, while the total number of items purchased soared to 895,000, which reflects a 9.4 percent rise. These statistics highlight the invigorated interest in duty-free shopping.

Reports indicate that as the consumption trend transitions from 'returning home' to 'traveling out,' the enthusiasm for duty-free shopping has continued to gain traction. Notably, during this year's Spring Festival travel rush, the fusion of new offshore duty-free policies with peak sales seasons has led to stronger passenger traffic and spending than previously anticipated.

Bian Yongzu, the executive deputy editor-in-chief of Modernization of Management magazine, commented that the rise in data points to a notable upward trajectory since the inception of comprehensive special customs operations across Hainan. The noticeable increase in shopper numbers clearly underscores the value of Spring Festival holiday consumption paired with the supportive policies.

In a bid to invigorate the economic landscape of the Hainan Free Trade Port, recent announcements by the Ministry of Finance, the General Administration of Customs, and the State Taxation Administration revealed a 'zero-tariff' policy for imported goods consumed by residents of Hainan, which took effect without delay.

This new policy permits Hainan residents to purchase specific imported daily necessities at designated locations without tariffs. Each resident is granted an annual duty-free quota of 10,000 yuan, with no limits on the number of items bought.

According to the Ministry of Finance, this initiative is set to lower living expenses for local residents while also catering to diverse consumer needs. It promises to extend the benefits of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s development to a broader segment of the local population.

Bian further emphasized that the updated policy transitions duty-free consumption from focusing solely on departing tourists to incorporating the daily consumption habits of local residents. This shift is poised to serve as a new catalyst for growth in Hainan's economy.

He concluded that the enhancements to offshore duty-free policies have markedly improved accessibility and the overall appeal of the Hainan Free Trade Port. This transformation positions Hainan not merely as a seasonal getaway but as a vibrant hub for consumption that integrates premier shopping experiences with leisure activities, likely yielding a substantial boost in consumer spending during the ongoing Spring Festival.