Summary: In April 2026, multiple major global economies intensively introduced new trade regulations, covering tariff adjustments, customs supervision upgrades, and industry access changes, which will have a profound impact on Chinese export enterprises. This article summarizes six major developments, including China's export rebate adjustments, Mexico's tariff hikes, new cross-border e-commerce regulations, and Russia's SPOT system.

     【Foreign Trade Dynamics】 In April 2026, several major global economies rolled out new trade rules, encompassing tariff adjustments, enhanced customs oversight, and shifts in industry access. These changes carry significant implications for Chinese exporters, requiring them to proactively adjust their strategies.

   I. Major Adjustments to China's Export Tax Rebates   

Effective April 1, 2026, China has removed VAT export rebates on 248 products, including key materials for photovoltaic modules, lithium battery cathode materials (lithium hexafluorophosphate, lithium manganate), monocrystalline silicon wafers, and photocells. The rebate rate for battery products has been reduced from 9% to 6% and will be completely eliminated effective January 1, 2027. Export enterprises need to promptly adjust their pricing strategies to mitigate cost pressures.

   II. Mexico Imposes High Tariffs on Chinese Products   

Mexico has incorporated tariff increases on non-free trade agreement partner countries, including China, India, and South Korea, into its General Import and Export Tax Law. Tariffs range from 25% to 50%, covering 1,463 tariff codes. Key affected products include: textiles and apparel (35%–45%), footwear, small appliances, furniture (35%), toys (30%), and complete vehicles and electric vehicle parts (up to 50%). China's Ministry of Commerce has formally determined that these measures constitute trade and investment barriers.

   III. Comprehensive Tightening of Cross-border E-commerce Parcel Fees   

Several countries have simultaneously imposed taxes on low-value cross-border e-commerce parcels:

France: Effective March 1, charges €2 per HS code per parcel valued at ≤€150.

EU: Proposes a €3 tariff per parcel valued at ≤€150 starting July, with platforms considered the importer.

New Zealand: Effective April 1, imposes a NZ$2.21 customs processing fee per consignment valued at ≤NZ$1,000.

Cross-border e-commerce sellers must recalculate their profit margins accordingly.

   IV. Russia's SPOT System: Pilot in April, Mandatory in July   

Russia launched a pilot of the SPOT cargo delivery confirmation system on April 1, 2026, requiring advance declaration of imported goods and the generation of a compliant QR code. The system becomes mandatory on July 1, 2026, after which goods without a QR code will be barred from entry. Enterprises exporting to Russia must promptly familiarize themselves with the declaration process.

   V. UK Zero Tariffs for Offshore Wind Supply Chain   

The UK eliminated import tariffs on 33 core products for the offshore wind supply chain (original rates 2%–6%) effective April 1. Affected products include wind turbine blades, gearboxes, towers, cables, and generator components. This creates new market opportunities for export enterprises in related sectors.

   VI. EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Temporarily Effective from May   

The free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur will provisionally take effect on May 1, 2026. It covers tariff reductions on 90% of goods traded between the two blocs, representing 30% of global economic output and reaching 700 million consumers. The agreement is expected to reshape global trade patterns.

【Recommendations for Enterprises】

Export enterprises should closely monitor adjustments to rebate policies and tariff changes in target markets. Cross-border e-commerce sellers need to promptly update their parcel pricing strategies. Traders exporting to Russia must familiarize themselves with the SPOT declaration system in advance. Exporters to the EU should proactively plan for compliance with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which takes effect on August 12, 2026.