China’s major trade exhibitions continued to defy global headwinds this week, drawing record participation from foreign firms and buyers.
At the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in the tropical island province of Hainan in south China, a record 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders are showcasing the latest goods.
Meanwhile, the Canton Fair kicked off in Guangzhou, drawing 64,530 overseas buyers on day one—a fresh record and an 8.9% increase year on year. Major international retailers such as Walmart, Target, Carrefour, Tesco, Kingfisher and Metro attended.
"Trade and cooperation remain key drivers of global development," says Niu Huayong, professor at the International Business School of Beijing Foreign Studies University. "All countries benefit from globalization."
Dinova, a France-based retail company, calls China the core of its sourcing strategy. "We have explored alternatives, but no region matches China’s maturity for our category," says Sonia Ben Behe, general manager at Dinova.
"Despite tariffs, China’s role in the global supply chain remains crucial and widely respected," adds Chris Arthan, a U.S. exhibitor.
As guest country of honor at next year’s CICPE, the UK has doubled its 2024 presence with over 1,300 square meters showcasing 53 fashion, beauty, homeware, health and jewelry brands. "I have seen tremendous innovation in digital tech, life sciences and green energy," says Douglas Alexander, minister of state at the British Department for Business and Trade, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to deeper economic ties with China.
Luxury groups are also betting on China’s younger consumers. Richemont’s TimeVallée debuted as an independent exhibitor, while LVMH and Kering Group brands showcased their latest collections. "Luxury consumers in China are significantly younger than those in many overseas markets, and that presents a major opportunity for us," says Nancy Liu, president of luxury travel retailer DFS China.
Siemens Energy sees new openings in Hainan’s free trade port. "We will strengthen collaboration across the full industrial chain, drive innovation and support the port’s international, green and law-based growth," says Yao Zhenguo, global senior vice president at Siemens Energy. Many exhibitors echo his view, praising China’s commitment to high-standard opening up amid rising protectionism.
Customs data show China’s total goods imports and exports in yuan terms expanded 1.3% year on year in Q1 2025, reflecting stable growth and resilience. "U.S. tariff increases will pressure China’s trade in the short term, but they won’t alter the long-term positive trajectory," says Sheng Laiyun, deputy director of the National Bureau of Statistics.
With global trade uncertainties on the rise, foreign businesspeople continue to seek opportunities in China. "China is a country with a large population, a big economy and a huge scale of opening up," says economist Zhang Yansheng of the Academy of Macroeconomic Research. As anti-globalization sentiment grows, China aims to promote economic globalization and trade liberalization from a high-standard opening-up path.
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China's trade exhibitions see strong participation of global firms
cgtn.com
