The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) kicked off in Shanghai, transforming the city into a global showcase for imports valued in the trillions. Attracting merchants from the U.S., Africa, the ASEAN members, Latin America and beyond, the event highlights how preferential policies and consumer demand are driving deep engagement with the Chinese mainland market.
In the agricultural and food zone, exporters are meeting face-to-face with distributors and retailers seeking high-quality, sustainable products. From premium coffee beans to artisanal grains, global vendors are taking advantage of streamlined customs procedures and lower import tariffs, positioning themselves for long-term growth in a consumer base eager for new tastes and trusted sourcing.
ASEAN delegates are spotlighting tropical fruits and seafood, meeting buyers who value freshness and traceability. African entrepreneurs have set up tasting stations for coffee and cocoa, underscoring a push to build direct links with Chinese mainland e-commerce platforms. At the same time, Latin American companies are hosting live cooking demos to showcase regional staples like beef and wine, forging partnerships with hospitality chains and gourmet shops.
Meanwhile, the digital trade hall buzzes with fintech and agri-tech startups demoing solutions tailored to cross-border commerce. AI-powered crop-monitoring tools and blockchain-based traceability platforms are among the innovations on display—evidence that imports to the Chinese mainland are no longer limited to physical goods but extend to services and technology that support sustainable development.
With the Chinese mainland targeting trillions in total imports in the coming years, global firms say they're seeing faster deal cycles and deeper collaboration. Exhibition organizers report that preferential procurement policies and dedicated matchmaking sessions are helping small and medium enterprises secure contracts in days rather than months.
For young entrepreneurs, business thinkers, and travelers alike, the 8th CIIE in Shanghai offers a real-time lens on how global trade is evolving. As the expo progresses, the connections forged here could shape the next chapter of international commerce, sustainability, and digital innovation.
Reference(s):
Live: How global firms tap China's trillion-dollar import market
cgtn.com
