China will cut import tariffs on consumer goods

China will cut import tariffs on a range of consumer items including apparel, cosmetics, home appliances, and fitness products starting from July 1, the state council, or cabinet, said on Wednesday.

The decision, which was announced after a state council meeting led by Premier Li Keqiang, aims to further open China's consumer market, will force its industries to upgrade and boost competitiveness, the government said in a statement.

Import tariffs for apparel, footwear and headgear, kitchen supplies and fitness products will be more than halved to 7.1 percent from 15.9 percent, with those on washing machines and refrigerators slashed to just 8 percent, from 20.5 percent now.