Business deals at China import exhibition reach record $85.45 billion

The annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) for 2026 has started in Shanghai. This event holds particular significance from both economic and geopolitical perspectives.

The exhibition is becoming one of China's most important platforms for attracting foreign companies, strengthening international trade ties, and positioning China as an accessible market for Global South countries, including Mexico and Latin America.

The 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai on Thursday—the first national-level exhibition dedicated to global imports. The event attracted thousands of international companies interested in the opportunities within the Chinese market.

China's Vice Premier, Ding Xuexiang, delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony. The expo runs from November 5 to 10, and according to the Ministry of Commerce, it has gathered 4,142 foreign exhibitors covering an area exceeding 440,000 square meters.

Exhibitors from the United States occupy over 50,000 square meters, marking the eighth consecutive year of leading positions. Leading participants also include companies from Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. Over 300 companies from the Fortune Global 500 list and industry leaders are expected to participate, a record figure; furthermore, more than 2,000 companies are debuting at the expo.

This year, CIIE maintains six main exhibition zones and an innovation incubation section. These zones cover areas such as intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, food and agriculture, automotive and smart mobility, medical devices and healthcare products, and trade services.

The innovation incubation section features 633 technology and innovation projects from nearly 40 countries and regions, which is almost 20% more than the previous edition. Since its launch in 2018, CIIE has continuously attracted international businesses of all sizes, providing them with a platform to present new products to Chinese consumers and expand their presence in the world's second-largest consumer market.

Eight past sessions have drawn over 180 countries, regions, and international organizations, and have witnessed the debut of more than 3,400 new products, technologies, and services, with the total estimated transaction volume exceeding $580 billion.

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, which has participated in all eight previous editions, is showcasing a range of medications at the current event, including Kyinsu—an injection for treating type 2 diabetes administered weekly. Mike Dowdstar, President and CEO of Novo Nordisk, noted: 'CIIE has become an important part of our work in China. We have participated for nine consecutive years, and many medicines we first introduced at the expo have since been launched here.'

This year, over 480 products and exhibits are expected to debut in the global, Asian, or Chinese markets, the highest number in the expo's history. Canadian sportswear brand lululemon is also returning for the third time, as China has become the company's second-largest market globally.

A representative of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that a group of international leaders will travel to Shanghai to participate in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will take place from November 5 to 10.

The list of invited participants includes Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Pan Kung, Cuban Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Oscar Perez-Oliva, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denis Slovak, as well as Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvirishvili.

The ministry representative clarified that these leaders will attend the opening ceremony and other events at the invitation of the Chinese government.