On January 18, 2026, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) marked one month since the launch of island-wide special customs operations. Under the policy framework characterized by "freer access at the 'first line', regulated access at the 'second line', and free flow within the island," various reform and opening-up measures have been steadily advanced, with the port's openness gaining traction and its development vitality increasingly evident.

Since the launch of the initiative, Haikou Customs has supervised "zero-tariff" goods valued at CNY 750 million at the "first line", a year-on-year increase of 38.9%, with tax reductions and exemptions totaling CNY 109 million, up 194.6%. At the "second line", goods sold to the Chinese mainland under the import tariff exemption policy for products with no less than 30% added value after processing reached CNY 85.867 million, generating tariff reductions of CNY 3.3183 million.

Overall, port clearance has remained smooth and efficient, and operations have run in a stable and orderly manner.

Drawn by the dividends of special customs operations and the rising appeal of opening-up, 5,132 newly registered foreign trade enterprises set up shop in the port in the first month, along with 331 newly established foreign-invested enterprises, a year-on-year increase of 13%.

Passenger flows have also risen markedly. As of the early hours of January 18, border inspection authorities in Hainan had processed a total of 289,100 inbound and outbound travelers, averaging 9,300 per day, up 31.3% year-on-year. The daily average number of visa-free inbound foreign visitors reached 2,600, up 64.3 %.

The island-departure duty-free sector has also further strengthened its brand influence. As of the early hours of January 18, Hainan's offshore duty-free sales totaled CNY 4.86 billion, up 46.8% year on year. The number of shoppers reached 745,000, an increase of 30.2%, while the number of items purchased rose to CNY 3.494 million, up 14.6%.

On average, about 24,000 shoppers made duty-free purchases in Hainan each day, with daily sales approaching CNY 160 million, demonstrating the strong vitality of the offshore duty-free market.

As policy measures continue to take effect, the Hainan FTP is advancing with strong, steady momentum, underscoring China's firm resolve and confidence in expanding high-level opening-up.