Shanghai is preparing to host the 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE) next month, underscoring China’s continued commitment to market openness and global economic cooperation.
Launched in 2018, the CIIE has evolved into one of the world’s largest trade fairs focused exclusively on imports. Over the past seven years, the event has seen about 3,000 new products, technologies, and services introduced, generating more than 500 billion U.S. dollars in intended transactions.
Wu Zhengping, deputy director general of the CIIE Bureau, said the upcoming edition is especially significant against a backdrop of global uncertainty. Hosting the eighth CIIE, he noted, demonstrates China’s steady resolve to support international trade and economic recovery.
Global Participation and Expanding Opportunities
More than 3,200 companies from over 110 countries and regions are confirmed to exhibit this year, covering 360,000 square meters of space. Dozens of nations and international organizations will participate, with Kyrgyzstan joining for the first time.
Preparations are well underway. The first batch of exhibits from Germany arrived in Shanghai in late September, featuring 279 items, many making their global or regional debut. Shipments from New Zealand and Pacific island nations, including dairy products and coconut oil, are also on the way.
For returning participants, the CIIE remains a vital platform for growth. Sheng Wenhao, CEO of Theland Asia Pacific Region, said the expo has helped his company expand to more than 5,000 retail outlets across 25 provinces. “It connects us with new partners and markets every year,” he said.
This year, for the first time, a dedicated exhibition zone will be created for products from the least developed countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China. The initiative aims to help smaller economies take advantage of China’s zero-tariff policies and access its vast domestic market, deepening trade links between the Global South and China.
Innovation at the Center of the Expo
Innovation will again be a major theme. German multinational Bayer will display 25 new products across 800 square meters, including five global debuts and ten new launches for China. “We will continue to invest in China and work closely with partners to seize new growth opportunities,” said Anthia Zhang, Vice President of Communications for Bayer Greater China and North East Asia.
Siemens Mobility will showcase its latest digital maintenance and AI-powered rail solutions. “The CIIE offers a unique platform to present our technology and build partnerships tailored to the needs of the Chinese market,” said Juergen Model, CEO of Siemens Mobility Greater China.
Small and medium-sized enterprises will also feature prominently this year. More than 1,500 SMEs from 50 countries, supported by over 80 international business associations, will exhibit at the fair.
Dorothy Tembo, deputy executive director of the International Trade Centre, said the expo has already helped small producers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America bring their goods to Chinese consumers. “From Ethiopian coffee and Rwandan chilies to Nepali cashmere, many of these products are now household names in China thanks to the CIIE,” she said.
As the 2025 CIIE approaches, Shanghai is once again poised to serve as a global hub for commerce and innovation. The event continues to demonstrate how international trade, cooperation, and shared opportunity can thrive even in a challenging global economy.
