China’s government has reclassified mobile data, broadband access, SMS and MMS as basic telecom services, raising the VAT rate from 6% to 9%. HSBC estimates the hike will reduce China Mobile’s 2026 net profit by 6%, China Telecom’s by 12% and China Unicom’s by 13%, with overall earnings for operators falling 6% to 13%. The change is expected to affect mobile operators’ revenue streams significantly in 2026.
The VAT rate will increase to 9% from the previous 6% for mobile data, broadband access, SMS and MMS.
HSBC estimates a 6% decline in China Mobile’s 2026 net profit due to the VAT hike.
China Unicom is projected to see a 13% decline, China Telecom a 12% decline, and China Mobile a 6% decline in 2026 net profit.
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Mobile World Live · 2 days ago
China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration has reclassified certain telecom services, raising the VAT rate from 6% to 9% on mobile data, SMS, MMS, and broadband access. The change takes effect from the beginning of 2026, prompting operators to consider price adjustments or bundle redesigns to mitigate revenue impacts.
MarketScreener · 3 days ago
China Telecom and China Unicom will be subject to a 9% VAT rate on core telecom services, as announced on 1 February 2026. This marks a change in the VAT treatment for these services. The announcement highlights the new rate for the companies' core telecom operations.
Fiscal Solutions · 14 days ago
China’s State Taxation Administration announced new mandatory VAT registration rules effective 1 January 2026, requiring businesses with annual taxable sales above RMB 5 million to register as general VAT taxpayers. The announcement introduces retroactive compliance, mandatory registration for specific sectors, and automatic reclassification for late registrants, increasing compliance risk for businesses near the threshold.
ChemAnalyst · 16 days ago
China’s Ministry of Finance announced the cancellation of VAT export rebates for photovoltaic glass products effective 1 April 2026, which is expected to give a short‑term boost to soda ash prices. Battery product rebates will be phased out during 2026 and fully eliminated by 2027. The policy, declared on 9 January 2026, is part of a broader effort to curb excess inventory in the soda ash market.
Rödl · 20 days ago
China’s new Value‑Added Tax Law and its Implementing Regulations entered force on 1 January 2026, bringing significant changes to taxable transaction definitions, VAT rates, and taxpayer status thresholds. The law retains the 13 %, 9 %, and 6 % rates, introduces a 3 % levying rate for the simplified tax method, and adjusts the real‑estate VAT rate for individuals to 3 %. Enterprises exceeding RMB 5 million in annual taxable sales must switch to the general taxation method, and the definition of taxable services and intangible assets now focuses on consumption within China or domestic sellers.
China Daily · 23 days ago
China will scrap value‑added tax rebates on photovoltaic products from April 2026, ending the export rebate for PV modules. Between April and December 2026, battery product rebates will be cut from 9% to 6%, and the full removal of PV rebates will take effect on 1 January 2027. The policy shift follows a November 2024 reduction of solar wafer, cell and module rebates from 13% to 9%.
