Hainan posts $170 million in duty-free sales in first seven days of 2026

(ECNS) -- Hainan's offshore duty-free market posted a strong start to 2026, with sales reaching 1.21 billion yuan (about $170 million) from Jan. 1 to 7, according to data released by Haikou Customs.

The sales involved 824,000 items and nearly 149,000 shoppers, marking year-on-year increases of 88 percent, 30.3 percent and 38.3 percent, respectively.

The rapid growth follows a new duty-free policy implemented in November 2025, which expanded the range of eligible goods. Popular new items included mini drones and electronic guitars.

This photo taken on Dec. 2, 2025 shows customers shopping at CDF Haikou International Duty Free Cityin Hainan Province. (Photo: China News Service/Luo Yunfei)

Currently, travelers visiting the island can enjoy a duty-free shopping quota of 100,000 yuan per person each year, according to the policy.

(By Gong Weiwei)