(Yicai Global) May 31 -- China's cabinet, the State Council will bring in lower import tariffs on a wide range of consumer goods in July in order to better meet the demand for diverse products in the country.

Average tariffs on imports of clothing, shoes, and hats, kitchen utensils, sports and fitness items will fall to 7.1 percent from 15.9 percent at present, effective July 1, the government said in a statement.

Authorities will also slash rates for household appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators to 8 percent from 20.5 percent, while those for farmed and harvested aquatic products, mineral water and processed foods will drop to 6.9 percent from 15.2 percent. Levies on washing products, cosmetics such as skin care and hair care products and some medical health products will fall to 2.9 percent from 8.4 percent.

Speaking at the meeting, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called on relevant departments to bring in measures to stop intermediate links from raising prices in search of profits, in order to benefit consumers and promote the competitiveness of domestic industries.

Editor: William Clegg