China recently introduced an export value-added tax refund rate of 13% for bunkering oil on international navigation ships in its costal ports, according to a Feb. 26 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The rate, which took effect Feb. 1, will allow ships to apply for export VAT refunds through export declarations when they enter “export-supervised warehouses to refuel,” the report said.

Shanghai recently introduced nearly 30 policy measures to support trade and companies as the country battles the coronavirus outbreak, according to a Feb. 27 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The measures, which will remain in effect until three months after the outbreak ends, will provide manufacturers with a lump sum pre-tax deduction for certain equipment purchases and provide “preferential loans” to companies that produce, transport and sell infection prevention supplies, the report said. In addition, suppliers and other companies that deal in prevention supplies will be “given support” to increase production and imports, the HKTDC said.

India and Indonesia hope to increase trade between their countries to $50 billion by 2025, which will include increased market access, a reduction in trade barriers and a commitment to improving agricultural trade, according to an unofficial translation of a Feb. 24 news release from Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry specifically requested that Indonesia allow greater market access for Indian exports of raw sugar products, buffalo meat, dairy products and rice, Indonesia said.

A Chinese technology company on the Commerce Department’s Entity List received an exemption from Commerce to buy U.S. goods to counter the coronavirus outbreak, according to a stock filing released Feb. 24. The artificial intelligence company, iFlyTek, which was placed on the Entity List in October (see 1910070076), said it applied for and was granted a “medical material exemption” from Commerce, according to an unofficial translation. The company said the exemption allows it to purchase U.S. medical supplies, along with other goods. A Bureau of Industry and Security spokesperson declined to comment.

China recently issued a series of measures to encourage foreign trade companies to resume business as the country continues battling the coronavirus outbreak, according to a Feb. 25 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Among several changes, customs authorities will simplify business registration and filing procedures, and expedite inspections and releases of imported production equipment and raw materials, including the use of “machine-assisted inspection” and “out-of-box audits.” China will also expand imports of agricultural products by increasing “the number of countries and registered companies with access to China’s market” as well as the variety of agricultural goods that can be imported. Other measures simplify and relax procedures surrounding exports, quarantine examinations and approvals, trade documentation deadlines and administrative penalties.

China is not requiring consignors and consignees to be present during customs inspections of imports and exports in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, according to a Feb. 24 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The measure is also aimed at increasing the speed of inspections and releases of goods, the report said.

China’s General Administration of Customs will allow imports of U.S. fresh potatoes that meet certain inspection and quarantine requirements, according to an unofficial translation of a Feb. 21 notice. The notice includes an attachment with the specific requirements that all U.S. potato imports must meet.

China lifted import restrictions on certain pet foods containing “ruminant ingredients,” according to an unofficial translation of a Feb. 19 notice from China’s General Administration of Customs. The agency said it will release inspection and quarantine requirements for pet food imports in a separate notice.

Singapore Customs is allowing certain dutiable goods to be temporarily stored in free-trade zones for up to 30 days before being moved to a licensed warehouse or factory, according to a Feb. 21 circular. The change will mainly impact liquor and tobacco products, which were previously not allowed to be stored in FTZs, the circular said. The change is aimed at improving “the quick turnaround for tran[s]shipment and encourage entrepot trade,” Singapore said. The company will impose penalties for traders who fail to move the goods to a “licensed premises” after being stored in the FTZ for 30 days.

Japan and South Korea will hold another export control policy dialogue March 10 in Seoul, according to an unofficial translation of a Feb. 21 notice from Japan. During the dialogue, the two countries will “proceed with discussions to contribute to resolving the pending issues” and seek “further improvements in export control systems and operations,” the notice said. The countries have held a series of dialogues (see 1912160011) and have been locked in a trade dispute stemming from Japan's export restrictions on South Korea imposed last year (see 1907010020).