China's 2026 subsidy scheme further spurs consumption for home appliances, smart products

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

Tens of thousands of Japanese citizens gathered at the National Diet Building in Tokyo on Tuesday to protest against the Takaichi administration's recent moves undermining the country's pacifist constitution.

Protesters held signs with slogans calling for the protection of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, opposing its revision, and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Some protesters expressed strong concerns over the government's recent actions, including lifting the ban on lethal weapons export, significantly increasing defense spending, and initiating revisions to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

Japan's Constitution, which took effect in 1947, is often referred to as a pacifist constitution, as Article 9 states that the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of a nation, which will not threaten or use force to settle international disputes.

The Three Non-Nuclear Principles, not possessing, not producing and not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japanese territory, were first declared in the Diet, Japan's parliament, by then Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1967 and viewed as a national credo.

Apart from Tokyo, rallies were also held in other parts of Japan on the same day against the Takaichi government's moves.

Thousands rally in Tokyo against Takaichi's constitutional revision, military expansion