CIIE spurs consumption through openness

As one of China's most important events for economic diplomacy in 2026 and the world's largest import-themed expo, the ninth edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai from Nov. 5-10, provided an excellent opportunity to explore the latest consumption trends and see how the expo empowers consumption through openness to boost high-level opening up.

More than 480 new products, new technologies and new services were introduced at the expo, over 200 of which made their global debut. In the bustling expo halls, exhibits ranging from cutting-edge technologies, such as a 6G terminal prototype to everyday consumer goods, like food, cosmetics and toys, saw a record total of $85.45 billion worth of tentative deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services, representing an increase of 2.3% from last year.

Since the inaugural CIIE, many innovative products exhibited at the CIIE have seen their market entry into China accelerated. Exotic featured products — such as blueberries from Peru and durians from Malaysia — have enjoyed the spotlight, swiftly tapping into the world's second-largest consumer market and becoming a common sight on Chinese supermarket shelves. 

Staff members present tea products at the Sri Lanka Pavilion in the Country Exhibition during the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2026. The exhibition brought together 69 countries and international organizations to present their cultures, business climates and cooperation achievements. [Photo by Wang Yanfang/China.org.cn]

At the 9th CIIE, over 100 buyers expressed purchasing intentions for Canadian ice ciders. Sri Lankan black tea sales increased tenfold year on year and Kenyan coffee brands held face-to-face negotiations with over 40 buyers. Online sales of British butter biscuits tripled compared to usual during the event.

China's domestic consumption contributed nearly half of economic growth in the first three quarters of 2026, driving up GDP growth by 2.1 percentage points, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce. This July, China laid out its first five-year plan dedicated solely to expanding consumption, which is becoming a stabilizing anchor and major driver of economic growth. 

Cui Lili, vice dean of the Digital Frontiers Research Institute at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, said the recently concluded 9th CIIE provides an ideal example for promoting consumption through openness, and the most direct application scenario whereby new supply helps create fresh demand.

According to Cui, the cumulative tentative deals of all nine expos have exceeded $670 billion. However, the value of the CIIE is not just a few days of transactions; instead, Cui said that it acts as a "converter" that continuously introduces high-quality global supply into the Chinese consumer market and activates consumption potential.

The Hongqiao Import Commodities Expo and Trade Center, also known as Hongqiao Pinhui, was established seven years ago to extend the six-day expo to a year-round platform. Items displayed at the CIIE can be sold on the platform, which serves as a bridge connecting the exhibition hall to market. To date, it has handled consumer products of over 6,000 brands from more than 120 countries and regions.

Business executives take part in a sub-forum themed "New Demands, New Technologies, New Scenarios — Reshaping New Consumption Growth" at the 9th Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2026. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Coinciding with this year's CIIE, the 9th Hongqiao International Economic Forum featured several sub-forums which brought together guests from government, academia and business to unlock consumption potential on both the demand and supply sides, upgrade and expand the consumer market, and transform emerging consumption scenarios, innovative supply and evolving consumer demand into new drivers of sustained economic growth.