China's average tariff level has dropped to 9.9 percent in 2005 as the country is earnestly fulfilling its commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to figures released by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).

The average tariff on industrial products dropped to 9.3 percent as against 14.8 percent in 2000, and that for agricultural products was 15.3 percent as against 23.2 percent in 2000, the MOFCOM said.

China's imports have witnessed a rapid growth in recent years as tariffs have kept dropping from an average of 15.6 percent in 2000, and almost all pledged tariff cuts had been made by yearend 2005, according to the MOFCOM.

Meanwhile, China also lifted most licensing requirements and import quotas on schedule, said the ministry, adding that China will only maintain import licensing restrictions on controlled chemical products, such as chemicals which can be easily turned into narcotics and ozonosphere-consuming materials.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2006)