China's import expo hits record $85+ billion in intended deals

The ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) closed in Shanghai on Tuesday, pulling in $85.45 billion in one-year intended deals – a record high and a 2.3% bump from the previous run.

Xiao Lu, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau, announced the figure at a press briefing following the six-day event. Five core metrics, including exhibitor numbers and total floor space, peaked this year, she said.

A total of 162 countries, regions and international organizations took part, with the overall showcase laid out over 440,000 square meters.

The business expo broke its own records: 4,142 exhibitors filled 370,000 square meters for the first time. Over 300 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders were in attendance, and 485 exhibits made their global, Asian or Chinese debuts.

The country pavilions also expanded, welcoming 69 countries and international organizations. Canada and Sri Lanka were the countries of honor, while the UK was the annual "Export to China" theme country – a designation focused on boosting its exports to the Chinese market. More than 20 exclusive benefits were rolled out for these nations. 

Concurrently, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum hosted 23 sub-forums and seven closed-door meetings under the theme "Stability and Cooperation: Building an Open World Economy Together." Discussions covered multilateralism, tech innovation and green globalization, with a focus on the 25th anniversary of China's accession to the World Trade Organization, free and fair trade, and BRICS cooperation.

The expo drew stronger attendance than last year, with 51 trade delegations and over 470,000 registered visitors. Eighty supporting events covered policy, investment, deal signings and product launches.

In its15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), China has pledged to continue hosting the CIIE at a high standard, cementing its status as the world's premier gateway into the Chinese market.

Preparations for the 10th edition are underway, with 143 companies and institutions already booking some 100,000 square meters of space.