BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, will cut the tariff rates for baggage brought by individuals and articles mailed into the country starting April 9 to expand imports and consumption.

The tax rate on products including food and medicine will be lowered from 15 percent to 13 percent, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

The rate for commodities including textiles and electric appliances will be cut from 25 percent to 20 percent, the statement said.