There is a strong demand for imported cars and cosmetics in China

Beijing. May 29. Silkroadnews - China has a strong consumer demand for foreign foodstuff, cosmetics and cars, a survey by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC says, and local distributors plan to increase orders from foreign suppliers within the next 12 months, SINA.com reports.
Almost a third of 1,400 respondents said they plan to buy more imported products within the next six months, especially cosmetics, watches and glasses, children’s goods, cars and jewelry, the Commerce Ministry said.
More than 30% of the consumers surveyed said they are interested in buying foreign cars in the next half year, especially off-road vehicles and new energy vehicles.
China plans to lower import tariffs for cars and auto parts on July 1, opening wider access to the world’s largest car market amid easing trade tension with the United States.
China seeks to boost domestic consumption amid slowing global economic growth. The survey results would also be good news for global brands interested to strengthen their presence in China, especially in the country’s inner cities.
38% of consumers surveyed said they plan to buy more cosmetics from foreign brands over the next six months, while three-quarters of them said that the domestic skin care market is not in line with current demand.
In December, China reduced import taxes on nearly 200 consumer goods, including food, food additives, pharmaceuticals, clothing and leisure goods, to 7.7% on average from 17.3%. Import duties on certain cosmetic products were halved - to 5%.
Among the sharper cuts were the tariffs on milk powder and diapers, where taxes have been slashed to zero. The overwhelming majority of consumers said they intend to continue buying imported milk powder and diapers or even increase the number of such purchases.
According to one-third of the respondents, there are no shooting equipment, air purifiers, electronic toothbrushes and robotic vacuum cleaners on the Chinese market.
The second survey, conducted among thousands of distribution companies, showed “a relatively strong appetite” in stimulating imports, particularly in food, cosmetics, watches and cars.
More than 10% of the companies surveyed said next year they will import more wine, fruits, beer, food additives, perfume, skin care products and decorative cosmetics.
They also intend to increase imports of new cars, SUVs and sedans.