China has expanded a programme to subsidise consumers who trade in old appliances such as air conditioners and washing machines as policymakers strive to counter weak consumption in the world’s second-largest economy.

The policy initiative, which was launched last year to encourage purchases of cars and home appliances, will now also include microwaves, rice cookers, dishwashers and water purifiers as well as smartphones and tablets costing less than Rmb6,000.

Consumers who trade in old goods will receive subsidies of 15-20 per cent, the National Development and Reform Commission, China’s state planner, said at a press conference on Wednesday in Beijing, where a finance ministry official said Rmb81bn ($11bn) would be allocated towards the programme in 2025.