Hubei Province and Dalian city in China will implement VAT refunds for overseas tourists departing from July 1, 2025, following approval from finance, customs, and tax authorities. The policy aims to boost tourism-related sales and tax refund applications, with data showing a 56% year-on-year increase in tax refund shop sales and a 116% rise in refund applications during the first month of implementation.

The U.S. Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) proposed levies on Chinese ships docking in the U.S. to curb China's dominance in the global maritime sector. This move has sparked intense debate, with industry leaders and trade groups warning of its catastrophic impact on global trade. The proposal aims to penalize ship owners based on their fleet's existing share of Chinese-built ships and others on order, potentially affecting over 80% of container ship visits to the U.S. The USTR has received over 250 comments, with some supporting the measures and others urging a rethink. The final decision is expected in the coming weeks.

The report by QY Research titled 'Global Marine Infrastructure Coatings Market Size, Manufacturers, Supply Chain, Sales Channel and Clients, 2025-2031' provides a comprehensive analysis of the global marine infrastructure coatings market. The study highlights key players such as AkzoNobel, Hempel, CMP, PPG Industries, Jotun, Nippon Paint, Sherwin-Williams, and domestic manufacturers like Zhejiang Yutong, Zhejiang Bridge Paint, Yongji Paint, and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation Coatings. The report forecasts the market size to grow from US$ 3229 million in 2023 to US$ 4433 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.7%. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, is expected to drive this growth due to increased demand for marine facility coatings.

China's independently developed dual-fuel car carrier with a capacity of 8,600 vehicles was delivered on Thursday, marking a 200-day construction record for large vehicle carriers in China. The vessel, named Wen Jing Kou, was built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co and China Shipbuilding Trading Co. The carrier measures 199.9 meters in length and 38 meters in beam, boasting 14 decks capable of carrying up to 8,600 vehicles. It uses both fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as power sources, ensuring environmentally-friendly emissions and operational agility. The vessel is set for its maiden voyage, departing from Shanghai with over 5,700 commercial vehicles and engineering equipment bound for Europe, including Bristol and Zeebrugge. This delivery is part of China's efforts to alleviate capacity demand on the European route and boost green development in international shipping.

A research team from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences successfully tested a lithium battery at -36°C in Mohe, Heilongjiang Province, China. This breakthrough ensures reliable drone operations in extreme cold, enhancing applications such as polar exploration, border patrol, disaster relief, and logistical transportation.