China processed 285 percent more outbound tax refund claims from foreign visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, the State Taxation Administration said on Monday.
Sales of tax-refunded goods and total refund amounts both rose 98.8 percent year on year. As of end-November, 12,252 stores nationwide offered departure tax refund services, with more than 7,000 providing "refund upon purchase."
China's departure tax refund program, introduced nationwide in 2016, allows foreign travelers to reclaim value-added tax on eligible purchases made within the country.
Authorities said the expanded network and smoother procedures are helping meet rising demand and supporting the continued recovery in inbound tourism.
