China Expands Rural Home Appliance Subsidies Jan 2, 2009

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China will expand subsidies for farmers' purchase of home appliances nationwide starting Feb. 1 in an effort to boost consumption, according to a ChinaView.cn report. Currently, subsidies only apply to rural residents in 12 provinces, or less than half of the total. Farmers who buy motorcycles, computers, water heaters, and air-conditioners will also get the subsidies, the report said.

China will grant a 13% subsidy to farmers who buy color TVs, refrigerators, mobile phones, washing machines, and freezers. A pilot program began in December 2007.

Local governments must also clamp down on sales of substandard appliances to farmers and ensure good quality and after-sales service to stimulate rural consumption, the report said.

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