Trading rights

Before China's accession, the right to import and export goods was available only to some 35,000 Chinese enterprises and, on a restricted basis, to some foreign-invested enterprises . Within three years of accession all companies will have the right to import and export all goods throughout the customs territory of China. For a limited number of products (grain, vegetable oil, sugar, tobacco , cotton, oil and fertilizers) the right to import will remain reserved for state trading enterprises. Importation of oil and fertilizers will gradually be opened to non-state importers. The right to export will also be liberalized, although exports of the following products will remain subject to state trading: tea, rice, corn, soy bean, certain minerals, coal, oil, cotton and silk (the silk export monopoly will be gradually opened up for competition).