The ninth China International Import Expo began on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Shanghai. Featuring participation from 162 countries, regions, and international organizations, the event includes more than 4,100 exhibitors in the business exhibition.
Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, stated, "The China International Import Expo embodies our country's commitment to promoting economic openness, liberalizing trade, and supporting economic globalization." Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of China, added, "The exhibition, which was initiated by President Xi Jinping in 2018, has transformed after eight successful editions into an international platform for sharing China's development opportunities and promoting mutually beneficial openness and cooperation."
Scale and Scope of Exhibition
The total area of the exhibition pavilions exceeds 440,000 square meters. Within this space, Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, addressed the significance of global commerce. "Trade should not be measured only by the volume of exchanges, but by the extent of its contribution to creating jobs, achieving sustainable development, and reducing poverty and gender disparities," Achim Steiner stated. His remarks reflect the broader scope of the event as it hosts thousands of participants across the expansive venue in Shanghai. The configuration of these halls provides the capacity for the business exhibition to accommodate the diverse range of international companies and organizations present. This infrastructure supports the stated goals of the ninth China International Import Expo regarding global economic participation.
Economic Openness and Trade Growth
China recorded a 22.3 percent growth in imports during the first three quarters of 2026. This increase in trade volume coincides with the ongoing exhibition in Shanghai, where officials assess the country's domestic market expansion.
Projections regarding the retail sector suggest significant growth in the coming years. China expects annual sales of consumer goods to reach 60 trillion yuan by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan. This forecast reflects the national objective of increasing domestic consumption to support broader economic development. The figures serve as a benchmark for participants at the expo as they evaluate potential trade opportunities within the Chinese market.
Official Perspectives on Global Trade
The exhibition continues at the National Exhibition and Convention Center until 10 November 2026. This venue serves as the primary location for the ongoing events and business displays currently taking place in Shanghai.
Regarding trade policy, China implemented an exemption program for 53 African countries on 1 May 2026. This policy covers 8,949 tariff lines and remains in effect until 30 April 2028.
