November in Hainan feels like endless summer 🌴—no chill like the north, just sunny days and busy ports. At Sanya’s Nanshan Port, cargo ships keep rolling in and out as usual. But come December 18, 2025, the Hainan Free Trade Port will level up with island-wide special customs operations: open doors for trade, smart eyes on risk.
What’s the big deal? Think of it as a two-gate system: gate 1 lets most goods in with zero tariffs and minimal checks; gate 2 uses AI and data to quietly screen for any issues, especially for shipments heading to the rest of the Chinese mainland. Once on the island, everything—from goods and capital to people—flows freely, creating a seamless zone for business and innovation.
This “freer entry, regulated guard, free island flow” approach slots Hainan right into global trade rules, making it a top pick for international brands. Under a negative list system, about 74% of goods—think electronics, fashion, even big-ticket items—are tariff-free. 🚀
Case in point: a brand-new Airbus A330 recently landed in Hainan with zero import tax—saving about 114 million yuan! It’s the fourth plane to fly in tax-free, boosting Hainan Airlines’ global reach and passengers’ options.
Meanwhile, residents and locally made products heading to the Chinese mainland still move as usual—no extra paperwork. For South and Southeast Asian startups, e-commerce hustlers, and wanderlust travelers, Hainan’s upgrade means faster shipping, lower costs, and new market doors. It’s a quiet revolution turning the tropical island into a sizzling trade hub. Ready to ride the wave? 🌊
Reference(s):
Hainan's special customs operations: Opening-up, not isolation
cgtn.com
