China a key market, stress enterprises at CIIE

More than 4,000 companies to display latest products and services in Shanghai

The ninth China International Import Expo opens in Shanghai last week. WANG JING/CHINA DAILY

The China International Import Expo, held annually in Shanghai since 2018, has evolved beyond its role as a gateway for new products from around the world. It is increasingly serving as a catalyst for foreign companies transitioning from exhibitors to investors and as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies developed in China to the world.

According to official figures, the ninth CIIE — running from Thursday to Tuesday — remains one of the largest comprehensive import expos in the world, with a business exhibition area of more than 370,000 square meters. A total of 4,142 foreign companies are showing their latest developments at the expo.

This year, the number of participating Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders exceeds 300 for the first time. More than 480 exhibits are making their global, Asian or China debuts, a record number. Meanwhile, nearly 200 companies, including Roche and Bayer, have participated in the CIIE each year since it began.

Global perspective

Having first participated in the CIIE in 2018, Ford China marks its ninth consecutive appearance at the CIIE 2026 and is showcasing a lineup from both Ford and Lincoln under the theme "Ready Set Ford".

A slew of new energy and internal combustion engine SUVs, including the Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator and Navigator, are on display. The Bronco Basecamp, Ford's first extended-range electric vehicle codeveloped with Chinese partners, which will be exported to countries including Australia in 2027, is also featured.

"Through the CIIE platform, we aim to convey that whether customers seek adventure with Ford or a premium lifestyle with Lincoln, our focus remains the same: understanding what customers value and delivering the right products and experiences," said Sam Wu, president and CEO of Ford China and International Markets Group.

Wu said that over the past nine years, the CIIE has evolved from a global products and technology demonstration platform into a vital link connecting the Chinese market, local partners and Ford's global business.

"In the early years, we used the CIIE to showcase Ford's global models and technologies to Chinese consumers and gather market feedback. Now, Ford's China-made vehicles are heading overseas. The open and collaborative spirit of the CIIE helps overseas customers recognize the value of China's automotive supply chain and manufacturing capabilities in the global auto industry," said Wu.

In 2025, Ford China exported 184,000 vehicles globally, an increase from more than 60,000 in 2022. It has established an export lineup spanning both Ford and Lincoln brands and covering passenger and commercial vehicles.

According to Wu, the CIIE is an ideal platform for showcasing Ford China's dedication and highlighting China's potential to the world.

"From our perspective, what enables products made in China to reach global markets is our long-term commitment to the Chinese auto industry, our close collaboration with local partners and Ford's manufacturing and sales networks. The CIIE's distinctive value is that it helps make these strengths visible and facilitates closer engagement and cooperation," said Wu.

Ford, which has been operating in China for 31 years, will continue to reinforce its commitment to the country with the strategy "In China, for the World", according to Wu.

"We will enhance our local R&D capabilities by codeveloping new energy vehicles with Chinese partners, strengthening the technical skills of our local teams and integrating innovations from China into Ford's global products," said Wu. "We will leverage Ford's global network and brand strength to transform China's R&D advantages into vehicle exports, making our brands more competitive internationally."

Wu also noted that Shanghai, home to Ford China's headquarters and innovation center, will continue to support Ford's China journey in terms of trade, innovation, global supply chain collaboration and data governance.

Consumer ties

Swedish home furnishings retailer Ikea is another longtime participant of the CIIE, having taken part in all nine editions to date. According to the company, over the past eight editions of the CIIE, Ikea's booth welcomed an average of more than 60,000 visitors.

At the CIIE 2026, Ikea set up a 360-sq-m booth to showcase its latest services and products, aiming to collaborate with local consumers to create a better life at home. The concept of "light customization solution" is highlighted at its booth.

According to Luan Yi, public affairs director of Ikea China, an increasing number of Chinese consumers are seeking partial modifications and space optimization for their homes instead of large-scale renovations.

"Therefore, Ikea introduced' light customization solution', which aims to help everyone refresh their homes in a more flexible, convenient and affordable way," said Luan.

Apart from introducing the new concept, Ikea is to debut an array of products, including its Saxvallen electric sofa and Fossta home decoration products for the upcoming Year of the Sheep. Luan said many of those products were specifically designed and made for Chinese consumers.

"For Ikea, China is one of the most important strategic markets. We do not simply bring products and solutions to China. Instead, we develop them in China based on the needs of Chinese consumers and eventually introduce them to the global market," said Luan. "The CIIE gives us an opportunity to better listen to consumers, engage in collaborative co-creation and bring more innovations inspired by insights from Chinese lifestyles to broader markets."

Ikea, which has been operating in China for more than 30 years, will continue to invest in the Chinese market. Focuses include innovation and localization, omnichannel layout optimization — covering digital stores, on-demand services, smaller-format stores and standard stores — as well as digitalization, automation and sustainable development to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience, according to Luan.

Gaining insights

Global paint and coating solution provider AkzoNobel is showcasing a range of solutions aimed at meeting China's urban and industrial upgrade demands during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) at the CIIE 2026.

Three waterborne coating solutions are making their global debut at the CIIE, targeting urban renewal and the industrial upgrading sector. The company said those solutions will support a quality transformation of the construction industry and contribute to China's call for quality housing.

The company, which is expanding its presence in China's high-end manufacturing and new energy sectors, is marking the national debut of its domestically developed waterborne topcoat, Relest Wind Ultra Waterborne Blade Protection Topcoat, at the CIIE.

According to the company, backed by decades of research, the solution combines highly weather-resistant and water-resistant waterborne technology to deliver green coatings for onshore and offshore wind power, tailored to energy companies' low-carbon goals and new energy system development.

Yin Tao, president of AkzoNobel China, said that all global and China debut products at the CIIE were developed and incubated in China based on local demand.

"We hope to grow alongside the Chinese market through continuous innovation and work with our Chinese partners to drive industrial upgrades. Those innovations are also the best testament to our strong confidence in the Chinese market," said Yin.

AkzoNobel, which has established a comprehensive business system in China that includes 17 production facilities and one global technology center, will continue expanding its presence in China and responding to the needs of Chinese customers. The CIIE is an ideal platform for AkzoNobel to strengthen communication with its Chinese partners and gain deeper insights into the market.

"The global coatings industry is accelerating its transformation toward green and low-carbon solutions, digitalization and high-performance materials. The rapid development and innovative vitality of the Chinese market in areas such as new energy, green buildings and high-end manufacturing present significant opportunities for the global industry.

"The CIIE provides an open, diverse and efficient platform for communication, enabling multinational companies, local enterprises, research institutions and industry partners to collaborate more effectively," said Yin.

"China is the core of AkzoNobel's global strategy and a key engine for innovation and growth. For AkzoNobel, we aim to further strengthen our collaborative innovation with the Chinese market through the CIIE, jointly promoting the implementation of green, low-carbon and high-performance solutions.

"At the same time, we will continue to deepen our investment and innovation efforts in China, leveraging a more diverse product portfolio and more localized innovation capabilities to support the country's urban renewal and industrial upgrading," Yin added.

Paint and coating solution provider AkzoNobel's booth at the ninth CIIE. CHINA DAILY

Swedish home furnishings retailer Ikea's booth at the ninth CIIE. CHINA DAILY

A slew of new energy and internal combustion engine SUVs are on display at Ford China's booth at the ninth CIIE. CHINA DAILY