China unveils new measures to boost technology-driven innovation in commerce

China has released new guidelines to promote the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies in commerce, as part of efforts to upgrade consumption and improve commercial distribution efficiency.

These guidelines, jointly issued by nine government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, outline 18 measures covering goods consumption, services consumption, commercial distribution, innovative business applications and policy support.

To upgrade consumer goods, the guidelines call for integrating AI into product development, design, manufacturing and marketing, expanding the supply of smart devices and robots, and encouraging flexible manufacturing and AI-powered customization.

In the services sector, these guidelines support the application of AI in healthcare and smart elderly care services, the digital transformation of catering businesses, and pilot applications of AI in culture and tourism.

In commercial distribution, the measures include promoting smart warehouses, intelligent logistics equipment and unmanned delivery, alongside digital upgrades in wholesale and retail businesses.

The guidelines also call for developing commercial AI agents for shopping assistance, business operations and logistics, expanding applications of embodied intelligence and creating virtual shopping experiences. They additionally outline support for technology standards, digital infrastructure and financing.

In June, the Ministry of Commerce and seven other government departments released guidelines containing 17 measures to promote "AI plus consumption," focusing on smart products, AI-enabled services and new consumption scenarios.

China's retail sales of consumer goods rose 1.1% year on year to 37 trillion yuan (about $5.5 trillion) in the first three quarters of 2026, while retail sales of services increased 5%, outpacing the 1% rise in goods sales, official data released on Monday showed.