RCEP Impact on Shading Industry Export: Data and Case Analysis

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Specific Impacts of RCEP on Shading Product Exports: Data and Case Analysis

In 2024, China's shading product exports experienced historic growth. According to the latest industry data, China's awning export value increased by 29% year-on-year, with exports to RCEP member states accounting for 47% of the total (Source: 2025-2030 China Awning Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape Analysis Report). This significant growth is closely linked to the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The following sections analyze the specific impacts of RCEP on shading product exports from the perspectives of tariff reduction, market expansion, and enhancement of corporate competitiveness.

I. Tariff Reduction: Directly Lowers Export Costs, Enhances Price Competitiveness

The most direct impact of RCEP is the substantial reduction of tariffs on shading products in RCEP member states, significantly lowering export costs for enterprises.

• Significant Tariff Cuts in the Japanese Market: According to Xiamen Customs data, in April 2025, Japan implemented its fourth round of tariff reductions under RCEP, with the tariff rate for umbrellas dropping to 3.2%. Taking Xiamen Xinhongyang Umbrella Co., Ltd. as an example, the tariff savings for its sunshade umbrella exports to Japan reached over $1,400 per shipment (value over $130,000), directly reducing operating costs.

• RCEP Member Tariff Commitments: The RCEP agreement stipulates that over 90% of goods trade within the region will eventually achieve zero tariffs. As a dominant export category for China, shading products have already enjoyed significant tariff reductions. As stated by Shaoxing Tianwei Rainwear Company, "After the implementation of RCEP, the tariff rate for our umbrella exports to the Japanese market has been reduced by 1.3 percentage points."

• Actual Results: From January to May 2024, umbrella exports from the "China Umbrella City" in Shangyu, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, reached 840 million yuan, with exports to Japan accounting for over 70%. RCEP tariff benefits have become a "booster" for enterprises to expand exports.

II. Market Expansion: RCEP Members Become Core Export Markets for Shading Products

RCEP has effectively promoted the penetration of Chinese shading products in the Asia-Pacific market.

• Optimized Export Structure: In 2024, the share of China's shading product exports to RCEP member states increased to 47%, a significant rise compared to before RCEP took effect. Exports to Japan and ASEAN countries grew particularly rapidly.

• Regional Market Growth: According to Xiamen Customs statistics, in the first half of 2024, Fujian Province's exports to ASEAN exceeded 100 billion yuan, accounting for 20.3% of Fujian's total export value during the same period. Among these, shading product exports (e.g., sunshades, garden umbrellas) reached 2.62 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.2%.

• Deepened Regional Industrial Collaboration: After RCEP took effect, industrial chain cooperation within the region strengthened. Chinese shading enterprises can more easily utilize labor and resources in ASEAN countries to optimize production layouts. For example, companies like Shaoxing Wanbo are actively establishing overseas warehouses in Southeast Asia to achieve 72-hour delivery.

III. Enhanced Enterprise Competitiveness: From Price Advantage to Quality Premium

RCEP not only brings price advantages but also drives enterprises towards high-quality, high-value-added development.

• Enhanced Price Competitiveness: Tariff reductions have given Chinese shading products a significant price advantage within the RCEP region. As mentioned in Document [7], "Enterprises with EN13561 and ANSI/SPFA standard certifications have significantly improved their premium pricing capability in European and American markets."

• Upgraded Product Structure: After RCEP implementation, Chinese shading enterprises accelerated product upgrades, shifting from traditional sunshades to smart shading and functional shading products. Companies like Shaoxing Wanbo have launched carbon fiber sunshades, smart light-adjusting blinds, and other products to meet high-end market demand.

• Improved Certification and Standards: RCEP encourages Chinese shading enterprises to align with international standards. In 2024, the proportion of exported shading products with international certifications increased to 35%, enhancing their premium pricing capability in European and American markets by 25%.

IV. Trade Facilitation: Accelerates Cross-Border Flow of Shading Products

RCEP not only reduces tariffs but also significantly optimizes trade processes, improving the efficiency of shading product exports.

• Self-Printing of Certificates of Origin: Xiamen Customs promotes facilitative measures for Certificates of Origin such as "smart review and self-printing." Enterprises "only need to apply online via the Xiamen International Trade 'Single Window' and can immediately print the Certificate of Origin in their office." This reduces the certificate application time from several days to just minutes.

• Improved Customs Clearance Efficiency: RCEP simplifies customs procedures, "ensuring fast clearance of goods." From January to May 2024, Xiamen Customs issued 10,200 RCEP Certificates of Origin, a year-on-year increase of 17.41%; the export value under these certificates was 3.777 billion yuan, and it is estimated that relevant enterprises can enjoy tariff reductions of approximately 57 million yuan in importing countries.

• Expansion of Cross-Border E-commerce Channels: RCEP Chapter 12 specifically establishes e-commerce provisions, providing convenience for cross-border e-commerce. Shading product enterprises can use cross-border e-commerce platforms to reach end consumers within the RCEP region more easily.

V. Future Outlook: RCEP Facilitates High-Quality Development of the Shading Industry

The positive impact of RCEP on the shading industry will continue to deepen:

1. Further Market Expansion: As tariffs in RCEP member states are further reduced, the penetration rate of shading products in markets like ASEAN and Japan will continue to increase.

2. Industrial Chain Upgrade: RCEP will drive Chinese shading enterprises to transform towards a "design + manufacturing + service" integrated chain, enhancing the industry's added value.

3. Green and Low-Carbon Transition: RCEP synergizes with the "Dual Carbon" goals, promoting the development of the shading industry towards green and low-carbon directions. For example, the mandatory proportion of energy-saving certified products in the shading industry will increase to 40% by 2025.

4. Intelligent Upgrade: RCEP promotes technological exchange within the region, accelerating the intelligent process of shading products. The market penetration rate of innovative products like smart light-adjusting blinds and photovoltaic shading systems is expected to increase from 18% in 2024 to 35% in 2027.

Conclusion

RCEP has transformed from "policy dividend" into "market momentum," injecting strong impetus into China's shading product exports. 2024 industry data shows that after RCEP implementation, China's shading product exports grew by 29%, with the share of exports to RCEP member states rising to 47%. As RCEP fully takes effect, the shading industry will undergo a transformation from "price competition" to "value competition," allowing Chinese shading products to occupy a more proactive position in the global market.

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