(Yicai) Jan. 27 -- Chinese consumers have purchased 10.8 million digital devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, in just four days following the expansion of a government-funded trade-in program.

More than 7.9 million people have used government subsidies to replace their old smartphones, tablet computers, and smartwatches or bands as of Jan. 23, the commerce ministry announced today.

The program, which launched early last year covering items such as refrigerators, automobiles, and television sets, was extended to include these personal digital devices on Jan. 20. Under the program, buyers receive a 15 percent discount on products priced up to CNY6,000 (USD826). Consumers can purchase one item per product category, with subsidies capped at CNY500 (USD69) per item.

Moreover, during the four days to Jan. 23, around 844,000 consumers purchased one million home appliances using the subsidies, according to the ministry.

Wu Xianjian, executive deputy secretary-general of the China Household Electric Appliances Commercial Association, told Yicai that 30 provinces have already formulated local implementing details for the newly added digital products category.

A regional mobile phone chain manager in Jiangxi province reported that the company's handset sales have more than tripled compared to the same period last year.

Yicai learned from a phone store in Nanfeng county, Jiangxi province, that after applying the subsidies, prices have dropped significantly across several brands, including Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, and Apple's latest model iPhone 16 (128GB).

Retailer Suning.Com reported that both online and offline sales of handsets, tablets, and wearables have more than tripled year-over-year in the past week.

A Shanghai consumer told Yicai that many people are sharing their subsidy-enabled new purchases on WeChat, buying new devices as Chinese New Year gifts for friends and family. The Spring Festival holiday begins tomorrow.

Wu from the CHEAA noted that the subsidy program has exceeded market expectations, with phones and small home appliances becoming top sellers ahead of Chinese New Year, potentially leading to record-breaking sales.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine