China's opening up creates new opportunities for the world

Global economic openness faced growing challenges in 2025, with the World Openness Index recording its largest decline in nearly a decade. However, emerging markets and developing economies saw their openness indices rise year on year, while China maintained its position among the leading developing economies in terms of openness, according to the World Openness Report 2026.

Despite rising trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions, China has continued to deepen its opening up and expand access to its vast domestic market.

China's openness continues to grow

From 1990 to 2025, China's Openness Index rose from 0.5891 to 0.7551, an increase of 28.18%. China ranked 37th among 129 economies in 2025, up one place from 2024 and 50 places from 1990.

China's GDP exceeded 140 trillion yuan ($20 trillion) in 2025, contributing more than 30% to global economic growth. More than 70,000 foreign-invested enterprises were newly established during the year, reflecting continued international business interest in the Chinese market.

A vast market for global businesses

With a population of over 1.4 billion and a middle-income group exceeding 400 million, China offers significant opportunities for international suppliers. It has remained the world's second-largest importer for 17 consecutive years.

From January to August 2026, China's goods imports grew 26.7% year on year. Annual imports are expected to exceed $3 trillion for the first time in 2026, with more than 150 trading partners recording positive growth.

China is also expanding market access through lower tariffs and new trade initiatives. It has implemented zero tariffs on all tariff lines for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations and established 43 national import promotion and innovation demonstration zones.

Turning market potential into shared opportunities

Under China's "Big Market for All: Export to China" initiative, nearly 100 events have been held since its launch in November 2025, attracting more than 100 countries and regions.

The eighth China International Import Expo also set new records, bringing together 4,108 enterprises from 138 countries and regions, with intended transactions reaching $83.49 billion.

As host of APEC 2026, China is also promoting greater regional cooperation under the theme "Building an Asia-Pacific Community and Promoting Common Prosperity," with a focus on openness, innovation and cooperation.

Amid global economic uncertainty, China's continued efforts to expand imports and market access are creating new opportunities for international businesses and contributing to a more open and inclusive world economy.