The ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, brought together 4,142 overseas companies, more than 2,000 of them first-time exhibitors. At a time when global trade is facing headwinds from tariffs and other uncertainties, the strong turnout sends a clear message: China is opening its vast market wider to the world.
The real significance of the CIIE goes beyond the bustling exhibition halls. According to China's General Administration of Customs, imports grew 22.3 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2026, outpacing export growth by 5.9 percentage points. Imports from more than 110 countries and regions grew faster than China's exports to those markets. Behind these figures is a clear commitment: China is not just selling to the world, but also buying from it. Its vast market is becoming a source of tangible opportunities for businesses around the globe.
That commitment is reflected in who gets a place at the expo. Companies do not have to be big, nor do they have to come from major economies, to find a place here. Free exhibition space for least developed countries has increased by 17 percent this year, and exhibition areas featuring products from Asia and Africa have been further upgraded. At the same time, U.S. companies have ranked first in exhibition space for the eighth consecutive year, with their total area expanding by another 1,500 square meters. The message is clear: China's door is open to businesses from different countries, regardless of their size or level of development.
The CIIE is also about more than bringing products to market. It is creating opportunities for innovation and deeper cooperation. More than 480 products are making their global, Asian or Chinese debuts at this year's expo, a record high. These first-time launches are more than eye-catching exhibits. They reflect how the CIIE is evolving into a meeting point for new technologies, innovative products and the Chinese market, giving multinational companies more opportunities to share ideas, build partnerships and explore new areas of growth.
In a world facing growing uncertainty, openness matters more than ever. The CIIE offers a practical example of how countries can create opportunities through trade, strengthen ties through cooperation and pursue shared growth. Its continued success reflects China's determination to keep opening up and make its market opportunities accessible to the world. Looking ahead, China will continue to work with its global partners to turn openness into opportunity and cooperation into tangible results.
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