A Global Trade Gateway: The China International Import Expo

Launched in November 2018, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) is the world's first national-level expo dedicated solely to imports. It was personally proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 2017 Belt and Road Forum, signaling China's commitment to trade liberalization and global economic integration.

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government, with organizational support from the CIIE Bureau and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai, the event is further backed by global institutions such as the WTO, UNCTAD, and UNIDO.

Scale & Expansion

Held annually, typically from November 5th to 10th, the Expo has consistently grown:

• The 7th CIIE in 2024 generated about US $80.01 billion in intended deals—an increase of 2% over the previous year. It featured 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions, including a record 297 Fortune Global 500 companies.

• Since its inception, CIIE has cumulatively positioned itself as a powerful engine for global trade, fostering the debut of nearly 2,500 new products, technologies, and services and generating over US $420 billion in intended turnover.

Exhibition Halls & Thematic Zones

CIIE's exhibition area is vast and diversified, covering key economic sectors:

• Consumer Goods

• Medical Equipment & Healthcare Products

• Food & Agricultural Products

• Automobiles & Smart Mobility

• Intelligent Industry & Information Technology

• Trade in Services

• Innovation Incubation Special Section, showcasing breakthroughs in digital economy, green development, life sciences, and manufacturing technologies.

These zones offer tailored, sector-specific platforms, making the expo a comprehensive marketplace for goods, innovation, and services.

Global Reach, Local Impact

CIIE isn't just a trade fair—it's a global phenomenon enabling cultural and economic exchange. For instance:

• Exhibitors come from every region, including special pavilions like the California Pavilion, which has featured U.S. brands in areas such as food, agriculture, and tech for several years running.

• The expo supports least developed countries (LDCs) through free booth offerings and expanded representation—especially from Africa, which presents coffee, shea butter, and other specialty goods.

• Thousands of global exhibitors have turned their CIIE presence into long-term China strategies—some launching stores, R&D centers, or partnerships in China.

Strategic Platform for Openness

CIIE embodies China's broader economic reforms—a shift toward market openness and high-quality development. Key highlights include:

• Sustained tariff reduction and the scrapping of restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing.

• Inclusion of IP support, customs facilitation, and one-stop services, making processes smooth for businesses.

• The supporting Hongqiao International Economic Forum adds thought leadership and policy depth to the Expo, encouraging investment and bilateral dialogues

Why CIIE Matters

• Trade Gateway: It uniquely positions the Chinese market as open and accessible to global suppliers.

• Economic Catalyst: Realized tens to hundreds of billions in trade potential, unlike any other import expo.

• Innovation Hub: Established companies and startups alike debut products and forge international links.

• Inclusivity: Empowers both global giants and small participants—especially from developing nations.

• Strategic Showcase: Reflects and reinforces China's transition toward higher-quality, technology-driven development.