The customs office of this east coast metropolis has reported 2002 customs revenue of over US$7 billion, more than one-fifth of the national total, according to customs sources.
Of the total, more than US$2 billion fall into the category of import and export tariffs, while the remainder consists of value-added and consumption taxes on imports. The customs office collected a daily average of more than US$28 million in customs revenue for the city.
According to customs officials, customs revenue dropped sharply in the first half of last year due to the reduction in general import tariff rates in line with WTO requirements.
However, the significant increase in imports in the latter half and efforts on the part of the customs office to crack down on tax evasion and smuggling, have combined to boost the figure.
(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2003)
