Dhaka, Sept. 30 -- China is rapidly emerging as a global shopping destination, with international tourists driving a sharp rise in tax refund activity.

Outbound tax refund claims surged nearly 250pc in the first eight months of 2025, underlining the success of policy shifts aimed at boosting tourism and consumer spending.

According to Shanghai Customs, 96,600 tax refund applications were filed for goods worth 2.07 billion yuan ($290 million), up 168pc in volume and 83pc in value year-on-year.

These figures have already surpassed totals from all of last year. At Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport, over 3,300 refund claims were processed during peak summer months, reflecting growing interest in cross-border shopping.

The trend follows policy r...