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China cut import tariffs on a wide range of goods including food, consumer items and parts for manufacturing smart-phones, continuing Beijing’s drive to lower trade barriers and spur domestic demand.

The Ministry of Finance on Monday published a list of 859 types of products that will enjoy tariffs lower than the standard rates for this year. It included frozen pork as a key item aimed at alleviating shortages of the meat due to the outbreak of African swine fever.

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In 2018 imports of the listed items totalled some $389 billion, according to Bloomberg calculations. The provisional levies on the items will take effect from Jan. 1.

While the move isn’t directly related to the U.S.-China trade war, it supports the government’s claim to be further opening its economy as it pursues a deal with President Donald Trump’s administration. With economic growth seen slowing next year to 6 per cent or below, officials also have an interest in lowering the cost of imported consumer goods.