6th China International Consumer Products Expo Shines with Tech Innovation and Policy Dividends
From AI glasses that display real-time translation subtitles to brain-computer interface robotic hands controlled by thoughts, a array of cutting-edge technologies made their debut at the 6th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), held in Haikou, Hainan, from April 13 to 18. As the first major expo since Hainan Free Trade Port (HFTP) fully implemented customs closure, this year’s CICPE has transcended its traditional role as a trading platform, evolving into a “future life laboratory” that showcases China’s consumption vitality and innovation strength.
“The biggest highlight of the 2026 CICPE in Hainan is ‘innovation’,” said Xie Shujiang, Chairman of the Unicorn Engineering Institute, in an interview with Global Network. More than 3,400 global brands from over 60 countries and regions participated in the expo, with the proportion of international exhibits jumping to 65%. Hardcore technology, once a mere ornament, has become the absolute focus that attracts the most attention.
The full customs closure of HFTP has turned policy provisions into tangible business benefits. Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group adopted a new model of “global procurement, Hainan processing and global sales” relying on policy dividends, saving about 220,000 yuan for every 10 million yuan of goods. Local enterprises such as Jingrun Pearl and Hairun Pearl also fully utilized the policies, opening up the whole chain from “local sourcing to value-added and duty-free sales” for high-value pearl jewelry.
Technological innovation has taken center stage, with new productive forces breaking into the consumer market. At the digital technology exhibition area, iFLYTEK’s AI glasses offer real-time voice and visual translation, while Huawei’s first HarmonyOS AI glasses, weighing only about 35.5 grams, feature second-level AI flash photography. Even more impressive is the breakthrough in brain science—brain-computer interface robotic hands can accurately complete fine finger movements through mind control. “The AI products at the expo are not just technical demonstrations, but practical consumer goods,” a Global Network reporter on site said.
Low-altitude economy, a national strategic emerging industry, also enjoyed a highlight moment at the expo. Hainan Airport Group displayed an enhanced sea-air integrated detection radar and low-altitude flight safety supervision system, demonstrating the industry’s evolution to a full industrial chain of “infrastructure + aircraft + application scenarios”. HT Flying Auto’s split-type flying car, which has completed pre-mass production verification, attracted numerous visitors.
Xie Shujiang summarized Hainan’s unique advantages in developing low-altitude economy: preferential policies, superior airspace and climate conditions, leading infrastructure and diverse application scenarios. Hainan has built a “three vertical, three horizontal and three out-of-island” low-altitude backbone route network, laying a solid foundation for the industry’s development.
Chinese brands are also seizing the opportunity to go global. Time-honored brands such as Moutai, Pien Tze Huang and Laofengxiang showcased oriental aesthetics, while regional cultural brand “Hainan Trendy Products” was officially launched, promoting intangible cultural heritages like Li brocade and coconut carving. The 2026 “Shopping in China” International Consumption Season kicked off simultaneously, attracting about 65,000 professional purchasers, with overseas purchasers tripling in number.
Global Network reported that over 270 new products were launched at the expo. China Daily noted that the number of duty-free entries to Hainan increased by 54.2% within 100 days of customs closure. The 6th CICPE has become a super stage for the world to share China’s opportunities, releasing sustained momentum for high-quality development.
