Edible Fruit, Nuts and Peel Products to Realize Zero Tariff in 2010 Under Sino-A

In accordance with the Sino-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and Sino-ASEAN Expo, over 90 percent products in both countries will enjoy zero tariffs since January 1, 2010, which means that China and ten countries of ASEAN will enjoy zero tariffs except for sensitive products.

According to the counselor of Ministry of Commerce, 2009 and 2010 will be the key period for Sino-ASEAN free trade area. In conformity with the stipulated lowering tax mode in free trade area, since January 1, 2007, China began to extend the tax lowering scope and degree on product, to lower the tariffs on 5375 products and make the average tariff of 5.8 percent to ASEAN, and further lower to 2.4 percent in January 1, 2009. China will take zero tariff on 7000 products until 2010, accounting for 93 percent of the total volume, meanwhile, the ASEAN makes the similar arrangement.

As the main plantation for tropic fruits, ASEAN countries will benefit much from the favorable tariff policy, some edible fruit and nuts and peel Products will enjoy zero tariffs when the Sino-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement begins to go into force next year.