BEIJING - CHINA will lower import tariffs on raw materials for certain sectors next year to help Chinese manufacturers cope with tough economic conditions, the government said on Wednesday.
It will maintain an average import tariff rate of 9.8 per cent in 2009, but will fine-tune rates on raw materials that are in strong demand by the textile, steel and fertiliser industries, the finance ministry said in a statement.
'(We) will further enhance customs tariffs' role in maintaining the steady growth of foreign trade ... and expanding domestic demand ... to counter the impacts of the international financial crisis,' the statement said.
The average tariff on agricultural products will remain 15.2 per cent while that on industrial items will stay at 8.9 per cent, the ministry said in the statement on its website.
The government said it would continue to cut tariffs on products from nations including Chile, Pakistan, New Zealand and Singapore according to a series of trade and tariff agreements. -- AFP
