{"id":7154,"date":"2025-10-31T09:13:50","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T09:13:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ms-advisory.flow-work.online\/?p=7154"},"modified":"2026-04-20T11:27:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T11:27:59","slug":"free-trade-agreements-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/msadvisory.com\/free-trade-agreements-china\/","title":{"rendered":"China’s Free Trade Agreements Framework"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Expanding business operations globally has never been easier than with the opportunities afforded through technology in today’s environment. For businesses looking to expand globally, it is vitally important to understand which countries have Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and how they work. For many businesses, China has become essential to their global operation. As such, understanding which countries have free trade agreements with China and the nature of the relationship is essential to running their business. Here, we explore what you need to know about China’s free trade agreements.<\/p>

This article will highlight everything you need to know about FTAs in China, including the major agreements and benefits of leveraging FTAs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Importance of Free Trade Agreements<\/h2>

Free trade agreements hold importance for several reasons and benefit economies, companies, and consumers. When countries want to achieve economic growth<\/a> and promote trade between a country or group of countries and regions, a free trade agreement provides the necessary framework.<\/p>

Such agreements between countries promote economic growth and foreign direct investment<\/a> and impact local consumers. When choosing a location to operate in, FTAs must be considered, especially in cross-border business operations. Choosing a place with favorable policies and FTAs can influence a business’s overall strategy and significantly impact a company’s profit and loss statement.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Overview of China’s Network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)<\/h2>

China is one of the leading countries in FTAs, making it an advantageous place to branch out into new countries. As of the end of 2026, China had signed 23 FTAs covering around 30 partners<\/a> countries and regions, and continues to expand and upgrade this network.<\/p>

In addition, China has another 10 FTAs currently in the negotiation process and 8 more under consideration. Furthermore, China is updating some of the existing FTAs, particularly with Singapore and ASEAN.<\/p>

A noteworthy point is that China’s FTAs mainly cover the surrounding regions, with no FTAs in North America and few agreements in South America. This is because, traditionally, FTAs were in place with bordering countries where cross-border trade was more common.<\/p>

Today, it is not uncommon for a business in China to sell to a consumer in South America or for an investor from China to acquire a business in Hong Kong. The barriers associated with global business have been greatly reduced and, in some cases, almost eliminated.<\/p>

This is why China’s trade agreements are constantly evolving to match market demands. The proximity requirements that many FTAs have are bound to expand as international business becomes more prevalent, with e-commerce on the rise.<\/p>

The Chinese Government oversees the FTA network. However, clear communication between Chinese leaders and other countries is necessary to develop transparency and clarity in the application of FTAs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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China’s Major Free Trade Agreements<\/h2>

China has numerous Free Trade Agreements with countries around the world. The more notable FTAs include:<\/p>

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)<\/h3>

This is the world’s largest FTA, with 15 Asia-Pacific countries and the ASEAN states as members. This agreement lowers trade barriers, improves market access, and can streamline processes with uniform standards. It was passed in November 2020, and ratification was announced in early 2021. RCEP officially entered into force on 1 January 2022,<\/strong> with phased implementation for member countries, according to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)<\/a>.<\/p>

China-ASEAN FTA<\/h3>

This FTA allows China and the ASEAN states to eliminate tariffs on most products crossing the borders. Almost 90% of goods flowing through the border of China and ASEAN member states are estimated to qualify for this FTA.<\/p>

Closer Economic and Partnership Agreement (CEPA)<\/h3>

This FTA primarily addresses tariffs and duties between China, Hong Kong, and Macao. Additionally, there are different investment incentives within mainland China. Promoted investments include industry sectors restricted to foreign investors and large service industry concessions.<\/p>

CEPA enforces a minimal tax contribution requirement for both Hong Kong and Macao. An example of using CEPA would be a mainland China business acquiring a company based in Hong Kong.<\/p>

China-Singapore FTA<\/h3>

This agreement goes beyond the China-ASEAN FTA to lessen trade restrictions on services between China and Singapore. Fewer restrictions mean more opportunities to capitalize on an expanded market base.<\/p>

China-South Korea FTA<\/h3>

The China-South Korea FTA (the China-Korea Free Trade Agreement) aims to increase trade and two-way investments between China and South Korea. The free flow of goods and personnel is supported under this FTA. This FTA has been in force since December 2015 and includes multiple areas across service trade, goods, investment policies, and more.<\/p>

China-Serbia FTA<\/h3>

As Euronews reported, China and Serbia will implement a new FTA<\/a> in July 2024, deepening economic and political ties. The agreement takes effect on 1 July 2024 and will eventually make around 90 percent of goods tariff-free, as confirmed by the State Council of China<\/a>.<\/p>

China-Nicaragua FTA<\/h3>

The free trade agreement signed in 2023 between Nicaragua and China took effect on January 1, 2024, impacting bilateral seafood trading<\/a>. According to the State Council<\/a>, over 95 percent of products will eventually enjoy zero tariffs under this agreement.<\/p>

Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAs)<\/h3>

Double tax avoidance agreements are other FTAs that benefit both Chinese business owners and those looking to do business with China. Global investors often pay taxes on domestic income in their home state and in China.<\/p>

Double tax avoidance agreements eliminate double taxation, lowering your tax burden. As of mid-2025<\/a>, China has DTAs\/arrangements with around 114 countries\/regions.<\/p>

Bilateral Investment Agreements (BITs)<\/h3>

China also has 100 Bilateral Investment Agreements (BITs) that outline terms and regulations for private investors. These agreements prohibit unfair treatment by the host country and favor investing in companies domiciled in China.<\/p>

China’s BITs include countries with which it does not have FTAs, such as Austria, France, Canada, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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China\u2019s Key FTAs at a Glance (What they do & who benefits)<\/strong><\/p>

Agreement<\/th>Parties<\/th>In force<\/th>Headline access<\/th>Who benefits most<\/th>Compliance checkpoint (quick)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
RCEP<\/strong><\/td>15 Asia-Pacific economies<\/td>From 1 Jan 2022<\/strong> (phased)<\/td>Broad tariff cuts; common rules of origin (cumulation)<\/td>Regional manufacturers consolidating supply chains<\/td>Confirm HS code<\/strong>; qualify via cumulation<\/strong>; keep supplier declarations<\/td><\/tr>
ACFTA (China\u2013ASEAN)<\/strong><\/td>China + 10 ASEAN<\/td>2010; upgrades 2019; \u201c3.0\u201d signed 2025<\/td>Zero\/low tariffs on large share of goods; ongoing upgrades<\/td>Consumer goods, agrifood, electronics<\/td>Form E<\/strong> certificate; match ROO<\/strong>; watch Sensitive Lists<\/td><\/tr>
CEPA (Mainland\u2013HK\/Macao)<\/strong><\/td>Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao<\/td>2003+<\/td>Tariff-free for qualifying goods; wide services<\/strong> opening<\/td>Service firms routing via HK\/Macao<\/td>Prove origin\/service supplier<\/strong> status (CEPA rules)<\/td><\/tr>
China\u2013Singapore FTA (upgraded)<\/strong><\/td>China, Singapore<\/td>2009; upgrades 2015\/2019<\/td>Deeper services & investment access<\/td>HQ functions, digital-leaning services<\/td>Check services schedules; negative lists; data\/licensing specifics<\/td><\/tr>
China\u2013ROK FTA<\/strong><\/td>China, South Korea<\/td>Dec 2015<\/strong><\/td>Goods + services + investment chapters<\/td>Components, electronics, chemicals<\/td>Staged tariff cuts; track staging category by HS code<\/td><\/tr>
China\u2013Serbia FTA<\/strong><\/td>China, Serbia<\/td>1 Jul 2024<\/strong><\/td>~90%<\/strong> tariff-free at maturity<\/td>Machinery, metals, agrifood<\/td>Preferential CO; staged schedules by line<\/td><\/tr>
China\u2013Nicaragua FTA<\/strong><\/td>China, Nicaragua<\/td>1 Jan 2024<\/strong><\/td>60%<\/strong> immediate zero; >95%<\/strong> phased<\/td>Seafood, agrifood, light industry<\/td>Track phase-in per HS; CO and consignment rules<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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An Analysis of China’s Major FTAs<\/h2>

China’s advanced network of FTAs significantly impacts multiple areas of the economy. First, FTAs incentivize cross-border trade, increasing the development potential of smaller countries. This leads to access to a wider variety of consumer market offerings and the ability to expand business operations.<\/p>

Additionally, global supply chains are promoted when there is more transparency in trade. Industries must cut operational costs to improve supply chain management and compete with other exporters.<\/p>

Regional and global integration are other byproducts of China’s trade agreements. Countries once isolated from international trade and consumption can now participate in the market at the business and consumer levels.<\/p>

As technology continues to gain importance and center stage in the Chinese economy, FTAs have never been more critical. Both consumers and business owners engage in global business in countries that provide favorable agreements, making it easier to carry out business operations. Businesses would rather avoid operating in a country where they will be double taxed and look for alternatives with favorable policies and regulations. China understands<\/a> its role in trade and aims to solidify its importance in the global economy, so it has aimed to deepen its ties with stronger trade agreements.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What are the Benefits of an FTA with China<\/h3>

Utilizing China’s FTAs has numerous benefits for businesses operating in the country. Here are some of the most notable benefits of a free trade agreement with China:<\/p>