China has implemented the 2026 trade-in subsidy scheme for home appliances and electronic products across the country since Jan 1, further stimulating people's willingness to spend.
According to a notice jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and other government departments, individual consumers purchasing energy- and water-efficient household appliances will be eligible for subsidies of up to 1,500 yuan (about 213 U.S. dollars) per item.
In addition, subsidies will cover certain digital and smart products, including mobile phones, tablet computers, smartwatches and smart bands, priced at no more than 6,000 yuan each. For these products, the subsidy will be capped at 500 yuan per item.
In Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, sales of household electric products through the trade-in program have remained strong following the New Year holiday.
"I think it is a great policy that can boost consumption and drive economic growth," said Li Chengxuan, a local resident.
In efforts to facilitate the implementation of the program, many home appliance stores in Lianyungang have not only simplified the purchasing procedures but also offered one-stop services including recycling used appliances, delivering new products and assisting buyers with installation.
At a shopping mall in the center of Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, the clerk said that they received a large number of customers inquiring about the subsidy policy even on weekdays.
"Since the 2026 trade-in policy was rolled out, the number of people coming to ask about it has increased by two to three times than usual. For instance, products priced under 6,000 yuan are eligible for subsidies of up to 500 yuan, making them quite popular and very cost effective," said Li Jin, a shop assistant.
In southwest China's Sichuan Province, people can claim qualification vouchers on UnionPay, a unified mobile payment application for China's banking industry. The vouchers cover four categories including smartphones and tablets, with a 15-percent rebate of the purchase price.
"Since the New Year's Day holiday, the number of people purchasing mobile phones has increased significantly. They can receive subsidies from our store and the manufacturers while also enjoy the national subsidies. The subsidies are more generous and more attractive," said Gong Xiaojuan, manager of a mobile phone store.
China began rolling out subsidies for consumer goods trade-ins in 2024 to boost market confidence and stimulate domestic demand
For 2026, Chinese authorities have allocated 62.5 billion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bond funds in advance to support this year's program.
The renewed plan has further expanded its coverage, including smart glasses in the categories for the first time.
Meanwhile, the nationwide initiative continues to vigorously support the scrapping and replacement of vehicles.
China's 2026 subsidy scheme further spurs consumption for home appliances, smart products
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that UN Security Council actions must not provide legal cover for unauthorized military operations, nor should they heighten tensions or escalate conflict.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission.
Kallas shared her views on the situation in the Middle East and commended China's active diplomatic mediation efforts to ease the situation, including the latest five-point joint initiative issued by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.
The European side has not been involved in this war but has suffered from its spillover effects, she said, expressing hope for swiftly de-escalating the war and resuming dialogue and negotiations.
The European side supports UN humanitarian operations, the protection of civilians and non-military targets, and will make every effort to ensure the opening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, she said.
Wang said that amid the current international turmoil, it is the shared responsibility of China and Europe to step up communication and exchanges, and to uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.
Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Middle East situation, noting that the five-point initiative proposed by China and Pakistan reflects a broad international consensus, whose core elements include a cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the security of non-military targets and security of shipping lanes, and safeguarding the primacy of the UN Charter.
A ceasefire and an end to hostilities are the strong call of the international community, and also the fundamental solution to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said, adding that all parties should build greater consensus and create the necessary conditions to that end.
The UN Security Council actions should focus on cooling down the situation and de-escalating tensions, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to maintain communication and cooperation with the European side to promote an early end to hostilities and restore regional peace.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations. Wang said that China's development represents opportunities for Europe, and that the challenges Europe faces do not originate from China. Protectionism does not enhance competitiveness, and decoupling from China means decoupling from opportunities, Wang said, expressing hope that the European side will develop a comprehensive and objective perception of China and maintain the correct direction of China-EU relations.
Kallas said that the European side views China as an important cooperation partner, does not seek decoupling from China, and looks forward to maintaining dialogue and communication between the two sides.
Chinese FM says UN Security Council actions should not legitimize unauthorized military operations
