Global Trade Policy Roundup

I. Trade Regulations and Tariff Adjustments of Major Economies

1、China

New Rare Earth Export Control Measures: Effective December 1, 2025, export licensing requirements will be imposed on "products manufactured overseas but containing China-sourced rare earths or adopting Chinese processes/technologies" (to take effect in phases by product category).

Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) Closure and Operation: Officially launched on December 18, implementing the model of "opening up the first line, controlling the second line, and allowing free flow within the island". The number of tariff-free commodity items will increase from 1,900 to approximately 6,600 (accounting for 74%, a 53-percentage-point increase); the offshore duty-free shopping quota will rise from RMB 100,000 to RMB 150,000 with no limit on the number of purchases; the number of declaration items for goods leaving the island via the "second line" will be reduced from 105 to 42, shortening customs clearance time by 60%.

New Drug Export Regulations: The validity period of export certificates will be extended to 3 years, with a processing time limit of no more than 20 working days; intermediate products of pharmaceutical preparations may apply for export certificates with reference to unlisted products without the need to separately expand production scope; enterprises engaged in the storage and transportation of exported drugs shall accept extended inspections.

Self-service Inquiry and Printing Service for Customs Declaration Documents: Starting December 15, the service scope will be expanded to all directly affiliated customs offices nationwide. Enterprises can independently obtain customs declaration documents and electronic data within the retention period through the General Administration of Customs' "Single Window" without submitting on-site applications.

2. Hong Kong, China

Import and Export Control of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Implemented on December 1, requiring importers of controlled HFCs to apply for quotas and licenses from the Environment Bureau. This measure aims to fulfill obligations under the Montreal Protocol and gradually reduce the use of these potent greenhouse gases.

3. European Union (EU)

EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR): Takes effect for large and medium-sized enterprises on December 30, requiring product supply chains to be deforestation-free. Covered commodities include 7 core categories such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood, as well as derivative products like chocolate, furniture, and printing paper.

Cancellation of Duty-Free Policy for Low-Value Parcels: The EU announced that starting from 2026, the duty-free policy for low-value parcels below €150 (approximately RMB 1,225) will be abolished. All incoming parcels are expected to be subject to an additional temporary customs fee of about €2. The new regulation will be implemented 2 years earlier than originally planned, with specific details to be announced on December 12.

4. Germany

VAT Policy for Cross-Border Parcels from China: Effective at 00:00 on November 24, 2025, all cross-border e-commerce low-value parcels imported from China, regardless of their value, will be subject to a unified 23% VAT. The previous policy of "exempting VAT on goods valued below €22" has been abolished simultaneously.

5. United States

Tariff Adjustments on Chinese Goods: Starting November 10, 2025, the 20% tariff previously imposed over the fentanyl issue will be reduced to 10%, and the implementation of the "reciprocal tariff" policy will be suspended until November 10, 2026; the tariff exemption under Section 301 will be extended to November 10, 2026, covering key products such as industrial equipment, electric vehicles, and semiconductors.

Tariff Adjustments on Swiss Goods: Tariffs on goods imported from Switzerland will be reduced from 39% to 15%, expected to take effect in early December 2025.

Tariff Adjustments on South Korean Goods: Section 232 tariffs on South Korean automobiles, auto parts, wood, and wood products will be reduced to 15%, and some reciprocal tariffs (e.g., generic drugs, specific natural resources) will be abolished.

New Biometric Screening Requirements for Entry and Exit: Implemented on December 26, requiring all non-U.S. citizens (including green card holders) to undergo biometric data collection when entering or exiting the country, with records retained for up to 75 years.

6. Japan

Revisions to Four Product Safety Laws: Effective December 25, 2025, overseas cross-border sellers will be included in supervision for the first time and deemed "designated importers". Products such as maternal and child toys, 100V-240V electrical appliances, and gas equipment must meet new labeling and testing requirements.

Japan Authorized Representative (JAR) System: Starting December 25, 2025, cross-border sellers must appoint an administrator in Japan (with a local address and no criminal record), improve product testing documents, update labels, and submit an annual contract validity report. Non-compliant sellers will be unable to create new ASINs and should make preparations in advance to avoid stockouts.

Economic Stimulus Measures: Approved a comprehensive economic package of ¥21.3 trillion, including ¥11.7 trillion in investment to address rising prices (including the abolition of provisional gasoline taxes through tax cuts); it will also expand growth-oriented investments in semiconductors, AI, shipbuilding, and other fields.

7. Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)

Russia's Export Ban on Gasoline and Fuel Oil: Announced on September 30, 2025, the temporary ban on gasoline exports will be extended to December 31, 2025, covering all exporters; meanwhile, exports of diesel, marine fuel oil, and other fuel oils are also prohibited. The restrictive measures took effect on October 1, 2025, and will remain in place until December 31, 2025.

Temporary Exemption from EAEU Labeling Requirements: Valid until December 10, temporarily allowing goods imported by road from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan without EAEU labels (excluding sensitive categories such as weapons, pharmaceuticals, food, and energy products). Goods must be stored in designated temporary warehouses in Russia and complete label supplementation and formal customs declaration by December 27.

Other Measures: Starting December 1, 2025, Russia will collect biometric data from foreign citizens entering the country at all border checkpoints with technical capabilities.

II. Global Tariff Policy Changes

1. Asia-Pacific Region

Thailand's New Rules on Certificates of Origin (CO):The list of high-risk products has been expanded from 49 categories to 65, covering 224 HS tariff codes (6-digit), effective November 15, 2025. Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) has become the sole issuing authority for Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin (NPCO), implemented on December 1, 2025, revoking the issuing rights of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Products exported to the United States must meet a minimum 40% Thai Regional Value Content (RVC) and verify "substantial transformation".

Vietnam's Revised Policy on Reduced VAT Rates:A 2% VAT reduction (from 10% to 8%) is applied to certain goods and services originally subject to the 10% rate, with new additions including prefabricated non-metallic products, coal, refined petroleum, chemical products, and information technology goods and services. The policy's validity period has been extended to December 31, 2026.

Indonesia's Imposition of Gold Export Duty:Starting from 2026, gold exported from Indonesia will be subject to export duty, with rates ranging from 7% to 15%. Specifically, processed products such as gold bars will be taxed at 12.5% to 15%, while raw gold exports will incur a rate of 10% to 15%.

Singapore's Relevant Policies:Long-term incentives such as port dues concessions under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have been in effect since 2025 and extended to 2027. New rules on Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) Re-Entry Permits took effect on December 1: Overseas PRs must apply to restore their status within 180 days of losing their valid permits, otherwise, they may forfeit their PR status.

2. Americas Region

Mexico:Import tariffs on wheat, wheat flour, ammonium sulfate (fertilizer), and other products have been waived throughout 2025 to curb inflation, with the measure remaining in place until December 31, 2025.

Argentina:Temporary cancellation of export tariffs on steel, aluminum, and their derivatives until December 31, 2025, applicable to countries that impose an import tariff of at least 45% on such goods.

Cameroon:Starting from December 31, 2025, cocoa exports to Europe must meet seven requirements under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), including land use rights, Environmental Protection, and labor rights, to ensure compliance with international sustainability standards.

Grenada:Passed the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2025 on November 19, introducing new regulations on marine mammal supervision, data monitoring, and observer systems. Violations are punishable by a maximum fine of EC$100,000 or 12 months' imprisonment. The measure aims to meet the standards of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and restore fisheries export eligibility.

3. Africa and the Middle East

Nigeria:The duty-free threshold for cross-border e-commerce has been raised from NGN 50,000 (approximately RMB 242) to USD 300, with a limit of one transaction per person per quarter, effective December.

South Africa:Extended the Carbon Budget Allowance (enabling eligible enterprises to deduct part of their carbon emission reduction-related expenses when calculating taxable income) to December 31, 2025.

Egypt: Mandatorily implemented new safety standards for lighting fixtures through Ministerial Decree No. 245/2025, adopting Standard ES 7825 (equivalent to IEC 60598-1:2024). Lighting products must meet voltage, safety testing, and other requirements, with a 12-month transition period.

Tanzania:Implemented a mandatory trademark registration system for imported goods on December 1. All trademarks of commodities entering the market must be registered with the Fair Competition Commission; unregistered goods may face customs clearance delays or return risks.

Saudi Arabia:The VAT penalty exemption policy remains valid until December 31, 2025. Cross-border sellers who achieve tax compliance during the exemption period will be automatically exempted from penalties (provided the principal tax amount is paid in full).

4. Oceania

Australia-New Zealand Joint Revision of Water-Saving Product Standards:Jointly issued two important amendments to Standard AS/NZS 6400:2016 in November 2025, specifying rating and labeling requirements as well as minimum water efficiency standards for water-saving products. The revised standards apply to seven major categories, including showerheads, faucets, flow controllers, toilet fixtures, urinal fixtures, dishwashers, and washing machines.

5. Port and Shipping Policy Changes

MSC:Fully increased freight rates from Far East ports to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and other regions starting December 1, 2025. Rates for 20ft and 40ft containers on Northern Europe routes have been raised to USD 1,860 and USD 3,100 respectively, while those on Black Sea routes have been increased to USD 2,850 and USD 3,900 respectively.

CMA CGM:Raised FAK (Freight All Kinds) rates from the Far East to the Mediterranean and North Africa from December 1 to December 14, 2025, with a maximum rate of USD 6,300 per 40ft container.

Maersk:Plans to impose a Destination Congestion Fee (CFD) on goods shipped from the Middle East and Far East to Beira Port, Mozambique, starting December 25. Effective December 1, a new "Import Inspection Scanning Fee" of EUR 25 per container will be charged at the South Container Terminal of Constanta, Romania.

Hapag-Lloyd:Increased FAK rates between the Far East and Europe starting December 1, 2025, applicable to 20ft and 40ft dry containers and refrigerated containers (including high cubes) for cargo transportation.

Conclusion

From the perspective of global trade policy dynamics in December, strategic resource protection, green and sustainable development, and strengthened compliance supervision have become mainstream trends. Whether it is China's rare earth export controls, the EU's Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR), or various countries' adjustments to cross-border e-commerce taxation and market access, enterprises are faced with higher compliance requirements. It is recommended that relevant enterprises closely monitor the implementation details of policies, promptly adjust their supply chain structures, product certifications, and tax planning in combination with their business scenarios, and proactively adapt to changes in the global trade environment to ensure the stable and healthy development of cross-border operations.