Shanghai's New Trade Hub Bridges Global Markets with Record Import Deals
Shanghai’s Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center officially opened on May 14, 2026. The facility acts as a central hub for imported goods, a showcase for CIIE achievements, and a meeting point for global trade businesses. Many international firms, including Canadian food giant McCain, have already set up permanent displays there. The center builds on the success of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which saw cumulative intended deals surpass $500 billion across its first seven sessions. The 2025 edition alone recorded $83.49 billion in deals, marking a 4.4% rise from the previous year. Participation from Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries nearly doubled during this period.
Beyond trade, the center supports follow-up business matching for Shanghai-based exhibitions and regularly hosts international delegations. It also features specialised platforms, such as the Shanghai International Sister Cities Port and the Hongqiao International Coffee Port. A dedicated livestreaming e-commerce base has been established to boost digital sales. Popular CIIE products, like Peruvian alpaca wool dolls and Bangladeshi jute handicrafts, are now permanently available at the center. These items, once showcased at the expo, are sold both domestically and abroad. The facility’s role as a distribution hub was further strengthened by the 2021 launch of the China-Europe Railway Express (Shanghai), linking the continent by rail.
The Hongqiao center now serves as a key bridge between global suppliers and Chinese markets. With permanent displays, digital trade platforms, and strong logistics links, it reinforces Shanghai’s position as a major trade gateway. The facility’s expansion reflects the growing demand for imported goods and international business collaboration.
