Published by ChinaMNC · Gaoming

Foshan and Guangdong Push Trade-in Policies and Winter Consumption Campaign: Practical Notes for Foreign Founders

A ChinaMNC guide for foreign founders on Guangdong's 2025–2026 winter consumption campaign and Foshan's trade-in policies, including housing and consumer subsidies, based on official government notices.

Why These Policies Matter for Foreign Founders in Foshan

Foreign founders registering or operating a company in Foshan should note two overlapping policy directions from the Chinese government: a national push for large-scale equipment renewal and consumer goods trade-ins, and a provincial campaign to boost consumption during the winter season. These are official measures aimed at upgrading products, lowering logistics costs, and stimulating demand. For foreign-invested enterprises, they can influence market demand, subsidy eligibility, and local consumer activity.

National Policy Context: Equipment Renewal and Trade-ins

At the fourth meeting of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, President Xi Jinping emphasized that accelerating product upgrading is an important measure for high-quality development. The meeting encouraged a new round of large-scale equipment renewal and trade-ins of consumer goods. It also described logistics as the "circulatory system" of the real economy, linking production and consumption as well as domestic and foreign trade. The stated goal is to effectively reduce logistics costs across society, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and improve economic efficiency.

For foreign founders, this signals continued policy support for industrial upgrading and logistics efficiency. Companies in manufacturing, logistics, or consumer goods may find relevant incentives or regulatory attention in these areas.

Guangdong Winter Consumption Campaign: November 2025 to March 2026

To implement provincial government directives and boost consumer activity, Guangdong is running the "Enjoy a Warm Winter in Guangdong, Happy Travel in Guangdong" consumption season from November 2025 to March 2026. The campaign features four major activities, five major brands, and six major discounts. It offers immersive and panoramic experiences themed around watching the National Games, welcoming a summit, traveling in Guangdong, tasting food, enjoying scenery, and buying quality goods. The aim is to better meet individualized, diversified, and high-quality material and cultural needs, and to accelerate building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a world-class tourism destination.

Foreign founders in consumer-facing sectors—retail, food and beverage, tourism, or hospitality—may see increased foot traffic and promotional activity during this period. It is also a window to test products or services with local consumers.

Foshan-Specific Measures: Housing Trade-ins and Consumer Subsidies

Foshan has issued a notice on organizing the first batch of commercial housing "trade-in" work. This policy allows homeowners to trade in existing homes for new ones, which could affect real estate-related businesses and employee housing decisions. A detailed guide is available via an infographic.

For 2026, Foshan's trade-in policy includes consumer subsidies of up to 20,000 yuan for individuals. The city has also launched a "ticket stub economy" consumption voucher campaign, offering discounts of up to 250 yuan on dining, accommodation, and entertainment. Other campaigns include "Joyful Shopping in Foshan · Enjoy Golden Autumn" and a union-led holiday welfare package for workers.

Additionally, "Guangdong Goods Travel the World" spring action and a home appliance promotion were held in Foshan. The 2026 "Joyful Shopping in Foshan · Enjoy Golden Autumn" series kicked off, alongside the start of nine major projects in Jiujiang and a furniture shopping event in Nanhai.

Foreign founders should note that these subsidies and vouchers are generally aimed at individual consumers, not directly at companies. However, they can boost sales for retailers and brands that participate or align with the campaigns. Companies should check eligibility and application procedures with local authorities.

Other Sectoral Policies: Transport and Environmental Updates

Guangdong has issued detailed rules for subsidizing the scrapping and renewal of old operating ships, jointly by the Provincial Department of Transport, Development and Reform Commission, Maritime Safety Administration, and China Classification Society Guangzhou Branch. There is also a notice on subsidies for phasing out and renewing non-operating old medium and heavy trucks, and on fiscal incentives for air pollutant emission reduction, from the Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment and the Department of Finance.

These policies may affect foreign companies in logistics, shipping, or freight transport. If your business operates vessels or trucks, you may be able to access subsidies for upgrading to cleaner or newer equipment. It is advisable to review the specific eligibility criteria.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

• Monitor subsidy schemes: Both national and local trade-in policies may create demand for new equipment and consumer goods. Check whether your products or services qualify under Foshan or Guangdong programs.
• Engage with consumption campaigns: The winter consumption season and local voucher programs can drive customer traffic. Consider aligning marketing or promotions with these official campaigns.
• Review logistics and transport incentives: If you operate fleets or ships, explore subsidies for scrapping old vehicles or vessels and upgrading to compliant equipment.
• Stay informed on housing policy: The housing trade-in policy may influence employee relocation or retention; understand how it works if you provide housing support.
• Verify details with authorities: Policy implementation details, application deadlines, and eligibility vary. Always confirm with the relevant local government department or a professional advisor.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.