Hainan records 161 mln yuan in duty-free sales on first day of special customs operations

Duty-free sales in China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) reached 161 million yuan (about 22.8 million U.S. dollars) on Thursday, the first day of island-wide special customs operations, according to official statistics released Friday by Haikou Customs.

Nearly 24,800 shoppers purchased about 118,000 items on the day, up 53 percent and 25 percent year on year, respectively, the data showed.

At the Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex, significant discounts drew large numbers of customers.

"We were curious about the changes after the island-wide special customs operations were implemented, so we came to have a look," said a customer.

"Foot traffic is up at least three to four times compared with usual levels, and new products are selling very well," said Xu Xueli, a salesperson at the Haikou CDF Mall.

The Haikou Global Premium Duty Free Plaza was also bustling with customers engaging in interactive games and promotional activities.

"The performances are fantastic, and the discounts are very generous. I came after the island-wide special customs operations began to buy some duty-free items. I've had my eyes on, and I'm really happy," said another customer.

"By integrating cultural experiences and duty-free shopping, we aim to better incorporate Dongpo culture into the consumer experience," said Chen Haidan, sales manager in the operations management department of the Haikou Global Duty-Free Plaza.

Su Dongpo was a prominent poet and cultural figure of China's Song Dynasty (960–1279), celebrated for his literary legacy and culinary skills.

The island-wide special customs operations took effect Thursday in the Hainan Free Trade Port, the world's largest free trade port by area, allowing freer entry of overseas goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage and more business-friendly measures.

Hainan records 161 mln yuan in duty-free sales on first day of special customs operations

Israeli forces have launched fresh strikes across multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, with local sources reporting civilian casualties and a further worsening of the humanitarian crisis.

According to Gaza's Civil Defense, the Israeli artillery strike on Friday evening in the Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City has killed five local residents, including children. The strike brought the number of Palestinians killed since the October ceasefire to around 400.

"A classroom at the displacement site, where five families were sheltering, was targeted. I was inside when the walls collapsed on us during the strike. I was trapped under the rubble along with my grandson, who was injured. After the bombing, I tried to get up and managed to get out of the place. There were many dead and body parts everywhere," recalled Ismail Al-Barsh, an eyewitness of the attack.

Abu Hamza Affana, an ambulance director who took part in the rescue operation, said Israeli forces repeatedly obstructed emergency efforts.

"When ambulance crews first responded to the distress call, the Israeli army opened fire, forcing us to withdraw due to the continued shooting and shelling of the school. After we were later allowed to proceed, we reached the site and dealt with the casualties," he said.

The Israeli military said the incident is under investigation.

The attacks came as displaced families grapple with severe weather and growing shortages of shelter and basic supplies, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Local sources said that as a powerful storm swept through the region recently, at least 13 Palestinian children died due to shortages of essential supplies and medical services.

Gaza humanitarian crisis worsens as Israeli strikes continue