At a time when the U.S. tariff policy is disrupting the global economic and trade order, China has organized the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) and the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), with a record number of exhibiting brands and companies.

In an interview with China Youth Daily, Cai Tongjuan, Director of the Macro Research Department and Research Fellow of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies (RDCY), pointed out that the success of the fairs provides important opportunities for global companies to enter the Chinese market, counteract the impact of anti-globalization of the U.S. tariff war, and promote international trade cooperation.

Cai said that many international brands use China's trade fairs to expand into the Chinese market and deepen their cooperation with Chinese companies, demonstrating China's determination to further expand high-level opening up to the outside world. Important platforms are provided for these global companies to share the opportunities of the Chinese market.

By showcasing the new trends in China's consumer market, global confidence has been strengthened. Cai noted that CICPE and Canton Fair are not only platforms for displaying commodities, but also important windows for observing trends in China's consumer market. By showcasing new products, technologies and business models, the fair conveys to the world the vitality and potential of China's consumer market and strengthens the confidence of global companies in the Chinese market.

It is worth noting that this year's CICPE has established a New Consumer Technology Exhibition Area for the first time, with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, and smart travel becoming the focal points. Meanwhile, the special zone for service robots, which is added in the first phase of the Canton Fair for the first time, has an exhibition area of 4,200 square meters, where robot manufacturers showcase their advanced products such as humanoid robots and robot dogs to domestic and overseas buyers.

Exhibitors are demonstrating robots at the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, attracting many buyers to visit, on April 19, 2025. (Photo by CFP)

Cai said that exhibitors from around the world not only value China's huge consumption potential, but also look forward to expanding international cooperation and showcasing their innovations through various platforms. Despite the rise of global trade protectionism, the international community's confidence in China's super-large consumption market and open platform remains strong. (By Ma Ziqian/China Youth Daily)