Shoppers browse goods at a duty-free shop in the international terminal of Sanya Phoenix International Airport in Sanya, Hainan province, July 26, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hainan Customs on Monday reported a significant increase in offshore duty-free sales in China's southern island province of Hainan in 2023. 

With a year-on-year growth of 25.4%, total offshore duty-free sales reached 43.76 billion yuan (around $6.2 billion). The number of shoppers also experienced a notable increase, rising by 59.9% to reach 6.76 million, while the quantity of items purchased grew by 3.8%, totaling 51.3 million. Meanwhile, the average expenditure on offshore duty-free shopping stood at 6,478 yuan per person.

The enthusiasm for offshore duty-free shopping received an additional boost on April 1, 2023, with the implementation of the new "guaranteed pick-up" and "buy and pick-up" delivery methods. In the three quarters after "buy and pick-up" was rolled out, statistics from Hainan Customs revealed that 1.28 million shoppers took advantage of the policy, with a sales figure of 2.51 billion yuan.

Tang Hong, director of the Logistics Department at China Duty Free Group Co. Ltd. Sanya Downtown Offshore Duty-Free Store, attributed the surge to both these new delivery methods and streamlined operations, saying that they have not only provided tourists with more choices but have also streamlined customs procedures across the island, significantly enhancing the logistical efficiency of offshore duty-free goods. This has ensured that popular offshore duty-free products are promptly stocked and available for sale.

Currently, there are six offshore duty-free operators in Hainan. As the pioneer and leader in China's duty-free industry, CDFG remains at the forefront of this booming industry, with its stores accounting for half of the 12 offshore duty-free stores across the tropical paradise. The opening of the Global Beauty Plaza at cdf Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex Block C in December 2023, further expanded the island's duty-free brand portfolio.