The ninth China International Import Expo has kicked off in Shanghai, attracting a record number of countries, regions, and international organizations. A total of 162 entities have participated in the event, along with 4,142 overseas exhibitors. The expo's total exhibition area has exceeded 440,000 square meters for the first time. This development comes as a significant move against the backdrop of rising tariffs, trade restrictions, and geopolitical tensions that are weighing on global economic ties.
The China International Import Expo offers a unique platform for overseas businesses to connect with Chinese importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. For instance, Australian dairy producer Bulla has been participating in the expo since 2019 and has established a growing network of business relationships in retail and food services. The company recently reached a direct-sourcing agreement with Chinese grocery platform Dingdong Fresh. Bulla's exports to China have exceeded 10 million Australian dollars in the financial year ended June 2026.
The expo also provides an opportunity for new companies to introduce their products and explore untapped opportunities in the Chinese market. Italian truffle producer Urbani Tartufi is attending the CIIE for the first time, seeking to introduce fresh truffles to Chinese consumers and explore export procedures. Colombian oil producer DAABON Group is also making its CIIE debut, looking to explore opportunities in the Chinese market. The company has already received a number of inquiries from potential customers.
For developing economies, access to a large market is only the starting point. Exporters also need to find buyers, understand consumer preferences, and navigate market requirements. The Kenyan national pavilion is showcasing products from local exporters at this year's CIIE, as the East African country seeks to expand its presence in the Chinese market. Kenya's Export Promotion and Branding Agency chairman, Dennis Mwirigi, welcomed China's zero-tariff treatment, which was expanded to cover all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties.
Latin American exhibitors are also seeking to turn opportunities at the CIIE into concrete business ties. El Salvador, participating in the CIIE for the fifth time, has brought 12 entrepreneurs to Shanghai to promote products including coffee, rum, shrimp sausages, and handicrafts. At least three of the entrepreneurs have already found Chinese importers through business exchanges during the expo. Nicaragua is also looking to China for agricultural processing machinery to increase output and lower costs.
For many overseas exhibitors, the CIIE is more than a six-day event. The connections established at the expo can develop into lasting business relationships, while continued engagement with the Chinese market can open up new areas of cooperation. Ethiopia's MSA Business Group, an exporter of agricultural products, has developed lasting business relationships through the expo. The company has met potential new buyers this year, some of whom plan to visit the company in Ethiopia in December for further discussions.
The China International Import Expo has become a significant platform for countries to showcase their products and explore new business opportunities. The event has witnessed growing participation from countries around the world, with many exhibitors looking to tap into the vast Chinese market. As the expo continues, it is expected to facilitate more business exchanges and cooperation between China and the participating countries.
Key points
- The ninth China International Import Expo has attracted a record 162 countries, regions, and international organizations, with 4,142 overseas exhibitors participating.
- The expo provides a unique platform for overseas businesses to connect with Chinese importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
- The event facilitates business exchanges and cooperation between China and participating countries, with many exhibitors looking to tap into the vast Chinese market.
