China would reduce import tariffs on some consumer goods and advanced equipment with effect from January 1, in a bid to boost trade, Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

“To push forward advanced technology, [and] service imports… tariffs will be adjusted to continue encouraging imports of advanced equipment, key components, energy products and raw materials,” announced China’s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday as quoted by Xinhua.

Duties on compounds such as rare earth metals and uranium would be reduced to zero from 5.5 percent, added the news outlet, quoting the Ministry. Tariffs on gas, motor diesel and aviation diesel would be lowered to 1 percent from the previous range of 5 percent to 6 percent.

The ministry would also cut tariffs on consumer goods such as bags, suitcases, garments, and sunglasses, the news agency noted.

In the first 11 months of this year, China’s imports plunged by 14.4 percent to 9.37 trillion yuan (US$1.45 trillion), official figures showed. Chinese exports declined by 2.2 percent from the previous year to 12.71 trillion yuan.