China - RMB 150 billion to counter the recession

China subsidy program to bring in 150 billion yuan in domestic spending, says official

The China government's stimulus plan to subsidize sales of home appliances, handsets and computing products in rural areas is estimated to bring in 150 billion yuan (US$21.9 billion) in domestic spending, according to the region's Ministry of Commerce (MOC).

The subsidy program was launched in December 2008. Under the stimulus package, the China government plans to budget 20 billion yuan (US$2.93 billion) for subsidizing electronic appliance sales domestically during 2009. The subsidy program has recently been expanded to rural areas in 31 provinces, from the initial 12.

Companies including Dell, Haier, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Lenovo and Tsinghua TongFang have submitted tender offers to be allowed onto the government's list of subsidy-eligible brands. The successful applicants were expect to be announced on February 28, but the results have been delayed until March.

China subsidy program eligible product categories

First wave: TV, refrigerator, handset, washing machine
Second wave: scooter, PC, air conditioner, water heater (boiler), microwave, electric hot plate


Source: China Ministry of Commerce, compiled by Digitimes, March 2009