A spring breeze sweeps across Jilin province. A trade-in initiative spanning urban and rural areas is transforming public expectations into warm currents of consumption and policy benefits into drivers of development. From city commercial districts to rural markets, from appliance stores to auto dealerships, scenes of old items being replaced by new ones unfold daily. Precise subsidies, convenient services, and heartwarming stories collectively sketch a vivid picture of Jilin's efforts to boost consumption, improve livelihoods, and advance green transformation.
Financial incentives are effectively multiplying consumer demand. "Our old refrigerator had been in use for 12 years. With government subsidies available, we decided to replace it!" exclaimed Li Guilan, a resident of Chaoyang District in Changchun, beaming as she purchased a new four-door refrigerator. At the appliance section of Changchun Ouya Mall, consumers like Li flow steadily through a streamlined process—registration, old appliance appraisal, new product selection, and subsidy redemption—all completed in one stop, making the policy highly accessible.
Data shows that during the 2026 Spring Festival holiday (February 15–23), the province processed 100,000 subsidy claims totaling 37 million yuan, stimulating 278 million yuan in sales. Daily average sales surged by 39.69% year-on-year, with energy-efficient appliances and smart digital products particularly popular. Zhao Tianming, Director of the Circulation Industry Development Department at the Provincial Department of Commerce, noted that Jilin launched a trade-in subsidy program in 2026 covering six categories of first-tier energy-efficient appliances—refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, air conditioners, water heaters, and computers—and four types of digital products, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches/bands, and smart glasses. Subsidies cover 15% of the final transaction price, capped at 1,500 yuan per appliance and 500 yuan per digital item, valid until December 31, 2026.
Since the policy's implementation in 2024, subsidies totaling 2.13 billion yuan have been processed, driving sales exceeding 13 billion yuan and benefiting 5.3723 million consumers by March 26.
The trade-in program also bridges production and consumption, fostering industrial upgrades. "Logically, the old car still worked, but the new one is clearly better to drive!" said Sun Rui, a resident of Yanji, who traded his 12-year-old manual fuel vehicle for a new energy vehicle (NEV) early in 2026. He marveled at the smart features, such as voice-controlled air conditioning and music, and savings of over 20,000 yuan from combined subsidies, tax exemptions, and merchant discounts. "It was worth it—I should have done it sooner!" he remarked.
Such decisive consumer behavior provides clear signals for production adjustments. Subsidies on the consumer side not only stimulate demand but also accelerate manufacturing transformation, balancing economic stability with the cultivation of advanced productivity. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, NEV sales in China surpassed 16 million units in 2025, accounting for over 50% of domestic new vehicle sales and becoming a core engine for auto consumption.
The policy has brought tangible benefits to industry workers as well. "Store foot traffic has risen 60%, NEV sales have doubled, and mid-to-high-end models priced above 100,000 yuan now make up 15% more of our sales," shared the manager of a NEV dealership on Changchun's Guanggu Avenue. He added that sales staff incomes have climbed accordingly.
The program’s reach extends equitably to rural areas. "Wow, we bought a car at the market!" cheered a rural family surnamed Chen, happily purchasing a NEV as a "New Year gift" at the Fengjiatun horse market on the outskirts of Jilin City on February 8. The occasion marked the launch of the "Consumer Trade-Ins Go Rural" campaign, featuring participation from major brands like Huasheng Appliances, Suning.com, China Unicom, Byd Company Limited, and Wuling Motors, aimed at extending policy benefits to rural residents and upgrading rural consumption.
This is emblematic of the province-wide coverage of the trade-in program. Authorities have organized nearly 100 promotion events in communities, universities, government offices, commercial areas, enterprises, exhibitions, and rural fairs. Over 30 rural market events have been held, and more than 400 new sales outlets have been established in rural regions to enhance accessibility. Transparent pricing is enforced, requiring dealers to display product prices and subsidy amounts prominently in stores or online to ensure consumer confidence.
This proactive service reflects a people-centered development philosophy. The changes are also empowering industry practitioners. "More trade-ins mean more pickup orders—my schedule is packed!" said Liang Hengchun, an inspection engineer for an online recycling platform, who handled 12 phone pickups on March 11. By maintaining professional standards and precise procedures, he has achieved a 100% satisfaction rate. Liang attributes the increase in orders to the trade-in program, which has raised his income and expertise. "These past few years of trade-in activity have been my most profitable and progressive—I’ve really caught the trend!" he said.
From urban neighborhoods to rural markets, Jilin’s substantive subsidies, comprehensive services, and inclusive measures are channeling the warmth of consumption into households and turning aspirations into reality. The trade-in program not only elevates living standards but also rejuvenates economic dynamism. This multi-stakeholder collaboration—government, businesses, and consumers—is writing a new chapter in Jilin’s revitalization.
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