China Briefing

China’s 2025 Local GDP Results and 2026 Targets

Economy & Trade

The 2025 regional GDP results reveal new patterns of development across the country, with some provinces benefitting from manufacturing and tech booms and others impacted by tariff pressure and weak domestic demand.

China’s 2025 Local GDP Results and 2026 Targets
China’s Import-Export in 2025: Full-Year Data, Trends, and 2026 Outlook
Economy & Trade

China’s Import-Export in 2025: Full-Year Data, Trends, and 2026 Outlook

China’s trade performance in 2025 highlighted a widening surplus, resilient exports, and a gradual recovery in imports led by industrial inputs. The data points to a structural shift toward higher-value trade and greater reliance on private-sector exporters.

Why China is Still the Top Manufacturing Destination in Asia
Economy & Trade

Why China is Still the Top Manufacturing Destination in Asia

China retains its position as Asia’s top manufacturing destination in 2026, supported by world-class infrastructure, innovation capability, and policy reforms. While challenges exist, China's scale and technological depth anchor its position.

Beyond Zero Tariffs – What Hainan’s New Customs Zone Means for Industry, Investors, and the Island
Economy & Trade

Beyond Zero Tariffs – What Hainan’s New Customs Zone Means for Industry, Investors, and the Island

Effective December 18, 2025, the new Hainan customs zone introduces a two-line tariff system to boost processing and trade activities. It offers duty-free benefits for imports used within the island and incentives for value-added industries.

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China Briefing

Economy & Trade

China’s 2025 Local GDP Results and 2026 Targets
Economy & Trade

China’s 2025 Local GDP Results and 2026 Targets

Feb 16

The 2025 regional GDP results reveal new patterns of development across the country, with some provinces benefitting from manufacturing and tech booms and others impacted by tariff pressure and weak domestic demand.

Publications

 

Tax & Accounting

Hong Kong IRD Warns Public About Fraudulent Stamp Duty Certificate Notices
Tax & Accounting

Hong Kong IRD Warns Public About Fraudulent Stamp Duty Certificate Notices

Feb 13

Hong Kong’s IRD has warned the public about fake notices impersonating Stamp Duty Certificate communications. These fraudulent documents often use fabricated tax terms, urgent deadlines, or foreign-currency payment instructions to pressure recipients.

  • China Clarifies VAT Threshold Under New VAT Law

    Tax & Accounting Feb 11

    China’s updated VAT threshold introduces new monthly, quarterly, and per‑transaction rules under the 2026 VAT Law. These changes affect VAT liability, invoicing, and compliance obligations for FIEs.

  • Hong Kong’s Evolving Double Tax Agreement (DTA) Network 2026

    Tax & Accounting Feb 09

    Hong Kong’s double tax agreement network has reached a new milestone, with fresh treaties and active negotiations shaping the 2026 outlook. Understanding how Hong Kong’s DTAs work is essential for investors and multinationals planning cross-border operations.

  • China Monthly Tax Brief: January 2026

    Tax & Accounting Feb 06

    January 2026 marked a pivotal month for China’s tax landscape, with the rollout of detailed supporting rules for the VAT Law and its Implementation Regulations.

  • Hengqin’s 15% Preferential IIT Policy Extended to 2027

    Tax & Accounting Feb 06

    The new rules explain which talent is eligible to enjoy the preferential 15 percent individual income tax policy.

Publications

 

Legal & Regulatory

China’s New Vehicle Data Export Guidelines: How Automakers Should Prepare
Legal & Regulatory

China’s New Vehicle Data Export Guidelines: How Automakers Should Prepare

Feb 10

China has released the 2026 Guidelines for the Security of Cross Border Transfer of Vehicle Data, offering industry-specific clarity on data export compliance requirements.

Publications

Industries

Qianhai Updates Support for Hong Kong and Macao Medical Institutions
Industries

Qianhai Updates Support for Hong Kong and Macao Medical Institutions

Jan 30

Qianhai has revised its support measures for Hong Kong and Macao medical institutions, introducing enhanced fiscal incentives, clearer eligibility criteria, and stricter compliance requirements to promote long-term, high-quality healthcare development. The updated framework reinforces Qianhai’s role as a key testing ground for cross-border healthcare cooperation and foreign participation within the Greater Bay Area.

  • China’s Industries to Watch in 2026

    Industries Jan 28

    China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan signals a structural transformation rather than a short‑term recovery, reshaping the industrial landscape from 2026 onward. Businesses must reassess China strategies through the lens of competitiveness, security, and policy alignment.

  • China’s Flourishing Agritech Sector - Opportunities for Foreign Investors

    Industries Jan 21

    Facing land, labor, and climate constraints, China is turning to advanced agritech solutions to secure long-term food supply and modernize production systems. Policy support and rising demand are opening new investment opportunities across digital farming, smart machinery, and bio-innovation.

  • China Manufacturing Tracker

    Industries Jan 20

    Our tracker provides continuous updates on key economic and growth indicators in China’s manufacturing industry. The data for 2025 full year has now been updated.

  • Positioning for Growth: Navigating China’s Biomanufacturing Industry

    Industries Jan 02

    China is accelerating the build‑out of its biomanufacturing ecosystem, creating expanding opportunities across upstream, mid‑stream, and downstream segments. Companies that focus on key clusters and proactively manage compliance will be best positioned to benefit.

Publications

 

HR & Payroll

China's Visa-Free Policies: Latest Updates
HR & Payroll

China's Visa-Free Policies: Latest Updates

Feb 15

This article looks at all of the China visa-free policies that are currently in place.

  • China Enforces Higher Salary Thresholds for A/B Work Permits

    HR & Payroll Feb 12

    China has tightened enforcement of salary-based requirements for foreign work permits, with major cities applying full 6× and 4× multipliers. These changes impact both new applications and renewals, increasing compliance obligations for employers and foreign staff.

  • An Update on Work Permit Renewal for Foreign Talent in Shenzhen

    HR & Payroll Feb 05

    Shenzhen has tightened enforcement of age thresholds for Category B and C work permit renewals, with applicants aged 60 and above now facing rejection from 2026 onward.

  • Preparing for Chinese New Year 2026: Workforce Management and Business Continuity

    HR & Payroll Feb 03

    As Chinese New Year 2026 approaches, businesses must prepare for one of the most operationally disruptive periods in the China business calendar. Proactive workforce planning, payroll compliance, and continuity measures will be critical to ensuring a smooth transition before and after the holiday.

  • China Minimum Wage Standards 2026

    HR & Payroll Jan 22

    This article offers a guide to minimum wages in the Chinese Mainland and discuss how labor costs are affected by changes to the minimum wage levels. The data is current as of January 22, 2026.

Publications

 

Technology

China’s New Vehicle Data Export Guidelines: How Automakers Should Prepare
Technology

China’s New Vehicle Data Export Guidelines: How Automakers Should Prepare

Feb 10

China has released the 2026 Guidelines for the Security of Cross Border Transfer of Vehicle Data, offering industry-specific clarity on data export compliance requirements.

Publications

 

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