April's $90B Subsidy Arrives: How to Maximize Savings on Electronics
On April 10, the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Finance officially released the second batch of $90B (625 billion yuan) consumer goods trade-in subsidies.
Honestly, my first reaction seeing this news: how much can I save this time?
During last year’s first batch, I helped my mom replace a refrigerator and saved 1,200 yuan. She was happy for days. Now that the second batch is here, I’ve studied the policy thoroughly and compiled all the savings for you.
First, Let’s Clarify: What’s Covered? How Much?
1. Phones & Digital Devices
Subsidy standard: 15% of sale price, max 2,000 yuan per item
Requirement: Must be new products, used items don’t qualify
Example: Buy a 6,000 yuan phone, save 900 yuan
2. 6 Categories of Home Appliances
Includes: Refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, ACs, computers, water heaters
Subsidy standard: 15% of sale price, max 1,500 yuan per item
Requirement: Must be Grade 1 energy efficiency, Grade 2 or below don’t qualify
Example: Buy a 10,000 yuan Grade 1 AC, save 1,500 yuan
3. Car Trade-in
This is more complex with different regional standards, but max savings can reach 10,000 yuan.
Application Process: Three Steps, Avoid Pitfalls
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Must have old item (phone/appliance/car)
- Old item doesn’t need to be same brand, any age, any condition
- You’re an individual consumer (businesses don’t qualify)
Step 2: Choose Platform
Official platforms:
- Ministry of Commerce “Trade-in” mini-program
- Provincial/municipal commerce bureau websites
Third-party platforms:
- JD.com, Tmall, Suning all have “trade-in” sections
- Recommend official platforms first for more transparent process
Step 3: Submit Application
Required materials:
- Photo of old item (prove you have it)
- Invoice for new purchase
- Both sides of ID card
Common pitfalls:
- Blurry photos get rejected, take clear ones
- Invoice must be in your name
- ID info must match purchase info
My Savings in Practice: Replaced 3 Items, Saved 3,200 Yuan
This subsidy round, I helped my family replace 3 items:
AC: Old AC used for 8 years, noisy and power-hungry. Replaced with Grade 1 energy-efficient new AC. Original price 8,500, saved 1,275 yuan after subsidy.
Phone: My phone used for 3 years, battery failing. Replaced with new one. Original price 5,500, saved 825 yuan after subsidy.
Washing Machine: Mom’s old washer, spin cycle sounded like a tractor. Replaced with Grade 1 energy-efficient new one. Original price 4,200, saved 630 yuan after subsidy.
Total saved: 1,275 + 825 + 630 = 2,730 yuan (with platform discounts, actually saved over 3,200 yuan)
3 Pitfalls I Encountered, You Should Avoid
Pitfall 1: Bought Grade 2 Energy Efficiency, Can’t Get Subsidy
My friend bought a cheap Grade 2 AC, application rejected. Policy requires: must be Grade 1 energy efficiency.
Tip: Check energy label before buying, only Grade 1 qualifies.
Pitfall 2: Can’t Find Old Item, Can’t Apply
Another friend wanted to replace phone but couldn’t find old one. Actually, old item doesn’t need to work—just needs intact appearance and visible model.
Tip: If truly can’t find, buy a cheap old phone on secondhand platforms for 20-30 yuan as replacement.
Pitfall 3: Subsidy Quota Used Up
During first batch, my colleague waited until December to apply—quota was gone. This second batch of $90B has sufficient quota, but still “first come, first served.”
Tip: Don’t wait, apply as early as possible.
Closing Thoughts
This subsidy is essentially the government helping you save money. But you need to know how to use it.
Key points I’ve summarized:
- Confirm what you want to buy is covered by subsidy
- Don’t throw away old items, take photos
- Buy Grade 1 energy-efficient new products
- Apply early, don’t wait for quota to run out
If you’re planning to replace appliances or phone, this subsidy is genuinely worth claiming.
After all, saving 1,000 is 1,000, saving 2,000 is 2,000.
Application portal: WeChat search “Trade-in” mini-program, or go to JD/Tmall “Trade-in” sections.