6th China International Consumer Products Expo: Opening Up to Boost Global Consumption, Innovation to Drive Better Life

The 6th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), themed "Opening Up to Lead Global Consumption, Innovation to Drive a Better Life", was held in Hainan from April 13 to 18. As the first major exhibition in China in the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan and the first show after Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) fully implemented customs closure, the expo has become an important platform for promoting consumption upgrading and linking global markets by gathering global high-quality goods and building a bridge between supply and demand, according to People’s Network.

With a strong international flavor, the expo gathered more than 3,413 brands from 67 countries and regions, with international exhibits accounting for 65%, an increase of about 20 percentage points from last year, CCTV News reported. Twelve countries and regions, including Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Ireland, organized official delegations, while Russia and Bulgaria set up national pavilions for the first time. Canada, the guest of honor, sent its largest delegation ever, covering enterprises in cosmetics, agricultural products and health care products.

"We hope to take the CICPE as a platform to deepen and expand exchanges and cooperation in fields such as green development, agriculture, financial services and tourism," said Mary Ng, Canadian Minister of International Trade. Ireland, which has participated in the expo for six consecutive years, showcased the charm of the "Emerald Isle" through agricultural food, medical technology, tourism and cultural experiences. "Chinese consumers are paying more attention to traceability and high-quality production behind products," said Ni Shiyun, Director of the Irish Food Board’s China Office.

Sheng Qiuping, Vice Minister of Commerce, stated that the expo, which also launched the 2026 "Shop in China" International Consumption Season, demonstrated China’s determination to expand high-level opening-up. Data shows that China’s total retail sales of consumer goods exceeded 50 trillion yuan last year, and more than 9 trillion yuan of consumer goods were imported during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

New scenarios and formats released new momentum. At the science and technology consumption exhibition area, intelligent products attracted consumers. Yu Yafeng, store manager of RingConn’s Tmall flagship store, introduced an intelligent ring that monitors sleep apnea. AI glasses from brands such as XREAL and iFLYTEK were also on display. "We hope to convey the concept of AI empowerment," said Song Tao, Vice President of Taobao and Tmall.

Domestic trendy products also shined. Heytea displayed its exploration in overseas markets, with its self-developed tea-coffee all-in-one machines certified in many foreign countries. A Year of the Horse limited-edition cultural and creative gift box from Hero, a time-honored brand in Shanghai, attracted many on-site orders on Dewu APP.

The expo also focused on transforming the first-launch effect into industrial growth, with 386 new products released, doubling the number of last year, People’s Network reported. "We will make good use of the CICPE platform to promote Hainan FTP’s policies and build it into an important gateway for China’s opening-up in the new era," Sheng Qiuping added.