Sanya After Hainan’s Full Customs Closure: Imported Durian Prices Halved, Duty-Free Stores Exceed Daily Billion in Sales

During the first week of Hainan’s full customs closure, Haikou Customs reported that “first-line” imported duty-free goods exceeded 400 million yuan, while “second-line” domestic processing duty-free goods exceeded 20 million yuan. However, ordinary consumers cannot enjoy “zero-tariff” across the island; only purchases from airport or city duty-free stores, taken out of Hainan, qualify for tax exemptions.

During the first week, four Sanya duty-free stores achieved 630 million yuan in sales, a 47.2% year-on-year increase, averaging over 100 million yuan per day. Although reports claimed imported durian prices were halved, most supermarkets did not reduce prices; the discount mainly came from cost savings due to simplified customs procedures, not direct “zero-tariff” benefits.

Hainan’s customs closure has also boosted foreign trade investment, with 1,972 newly registered enterprises in the first week, a 2.3-fold increase year-on-year. So far, over 30,000 customs registration units have been added in 2025, up more than 40% year-on-year. Meanwhile, customs authorities warn against illegal “duty-free reselling” practices amid booming duty-free sales.