China Unveils Upgraded Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Strategy to Boost Reforms

MACROECONOMY 
China Unveils Upgraded Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Strategy to Boost Reforms 
China released new FTZ upgrade guidelines aiming to deepen openness, improve business conditions, and drive regional reform. Zhejiang’s Qiantang FTZ eased biomedical imports via a new multi-agency system; Qingdao dropped trade limits for medicinal food firms to cut costs. Tianjin’s Dongjiang reached 1,000 vessel lease deals, while Zhoushan piloted “supply-before-declare” for bonded marine oil. Nationally, FTZs now deliver faster customs (3 days vs 10) and contribute a growing share to trade and FDI. (中国财经) 

Asia Manufacturing PMI Rises to 50.7 in Jun-25 
Asia’s manufacturing PMI rose to 50.7 in Jun-25 (vs 50.4 in May-25), remaining in expansion for the second month. ASEAN saw mixed performance: Thailand and the Philippines stayed above 50, while Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar remained below. The broader region supported global recovery, though concerns over potential US tariffs prompted regional central banks to consider policy easing. (China News)

INDUSTRY 
China Imposed Import Restrictions on EU Medical Devices in Retaliation 
China restricted govt. procurement of EU-made medical devices worth over CNY 45 mn (USD 6.3 mn), effective 30 Jun-25, in response to the EU's earlier ban on Chinese firms from bidding on public tenders exceeding EUR 60 bn annually. The restriction also applies to imports from other countries using >50% EU components. This move follows growing trade tensions, including tariffs on China-made EVs and China's recent 34.9% duties on EU brandy imports. A China-EU leaders’ summit is scheduled later in Jul-25. (Reuters) 

COMPANY 
Solusi Sinergi Digital (WIFI) Optimistic About Winning 1.4 GHz Spectrum Auction 
WIFI expressed optimism about winning the 1.4 GHz spectrum auction organized by the Ministry of Communication and Digital. The Co. will participate, having prepared for development with global vendors and secured funding for 5G infrastructure construction. Management added confidence in winning, citing preparations and partnerships with global players. (Kontan)