China’s Hainan Free Trade Port is set to launch island-wide special customs operations on Thursday. A two-tiered customs system will be introduced: freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line, and free flow within the island.⁣ ⁣ The first line refers to Hainan’s links with overseas markets, where goods will enjoy zero tariffs, simplified procedures, and access through eight designated coastal ports. The second line manages flows between Hainan and the mainland through ten designated ports under streamlined but effective supervision.⁣ ⁣ The proportion of tariff lines with zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP will increase from 21 percent to 74 percent, while the number of tariff-free items in Hainan will increase from about 1,900 to around 6,600, covering nearly all production equipment and raw materials. Coupled with simplified customs clearance procedures, this is expected to sharpen Hainan's competitive edge as a low-cost, high-efficiency trade hub and a key...