Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivered his annual work report to the National People’s Congress today. Li warned that “China will face a graver and more complicated environment as well as risks and challenges that are greater in number and size”. And he emphasized “China must be fully prepared for a tough struggle.”
GDP growth target for 2019 is lowered to 6-6.5%, notably down from 2018’s target of around 6.5%. The lower bound at 6% would be the slowest pace of growth in nearly three decades.
To help the manufacturing sector, a 3% cut to top bracket of VAT was announced, from 16% to 13%. Also, there will be with 1% cut to the 10% VAT bracket for transport and construction sectors, down from 10% to 9%. It’s estimated the cuts are equivalent to as much as CNY 800B. Social security fees paid by businesses will be reduced to 16%.
Budget deficit for 2019 was set at 2.8% of GDP, larger than 2018 target of 2.6%. Total reduction in tax and social security fees would add up to CNY 2T.
