The ninth edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), billed as the world's first import-themed national-level expo, is being held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. A total of 162 countries, regions and international organizations are taking part, with 69 countries and international organizations represented at the Country Exhibition.
This year's CIIE has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors from 148 countries and regions, including more than 300 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry-leading firms—the first time that number has topped 300. More than 480 exhibits have been confirmed to make global, Asian or Chinese debuts this year, a record high for the expo.
The total exhibition area exceeds 440,000 square meters for the first time, while the business exhibition alone tops 370,000 square meters. U.S. exhibitors occupy more than 50,000 square meters of business exhibition space, the largest of any country for the eighth consecutive year and up 1,500 square meters from last year, while companies from Germany, the United Kingdom and France also rank among the top participants.
This year's CIIE retains its "6+1" layout—six main exhibition areas plus the innovation incubation section—even as several of the areas have been expanded. The six areas cover intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, food and agricultural products, automobiles and smart mobility, medical devices and healthcare products, and trade in services.
The innovation incubation section features 633 technology and innovation projects from nearly 40 countries and regions, up almost 20 percent from the previous edition.
The Hongqiao International Economic Forum, held alongside the expo, released the World Openness Report 2026 on Thursday and unveiled its first Export-to-China Capacity Development Report.
Food and agricultural products, consumer goods sections add zones.
Beyond traditional agricultural products, the food and agricultural products section has added new zones this year to widen its range. A "Global National Brands" showcase features selected leading consumer brands from Canada, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Spain, Kazakhstan, Kenya and Thailand, among others, helping premium overseas products find their way into the Chinese market.
The consumer goods section is divided into four major zones—home appliances and furnishings, beauty and personal care, fashion and trends, and sports and outdoors—with many well-known consumer brands exhibiting. Some have grown their business in China after taking part in the expo. Lifestyle brand Woolrich, which has not yet entered the Chinese market, plans to open stores gradually after the CIIE.
Technology and equipment section focuses on AI and chips
With the world focused on developing high-tech industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), computing power and chips, this year's technology and equipment section brings together leading industrial technology companies from around the world to present new technologies and solutions in key areas including digital industrial automation, AI, integrated circuits, new materials and low-carbon energy and environmental protection technologies.
Announced in 2017 and held annually since 2018, the CIIE gives overseas businesses greater access to the vast and growing Chinese market. The past eight editions have drawn more than 180 countries, regions and international organizations and seen more than 3,400 new products, technologies and services debut, while intended deals have totaled more than 580 billion U.S. dollars.
Reporter & Photos | Jiang Chang
