The Fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), just concluded on the island province of Hainan, has shown a shift in import sourcing as Chinese buyers explore new international partnerships to confront trade risks and capitalize on Hainan's status and policies as the country's largest Free Trade Port.
CICPE is the sole state-level exhibition dedicated to consumer goods. This year's expo was held in the backdrop of the tariff war launched by the U.S. Trump administration, including a staggering 145 percent duty on Chinese exports.
The one-week export attracted over 1,700 enterprises and 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions. They allowed Chinese buyers and businesses fresh opportunities and broader markets to look beyond American products and source competitive alternatives and quality upgrades.
"Since the U.S.-China trade war began [in 2018], we have stopped importing American soybeans. In fact, we now have several alternative sources. We have also optimized suppliers and supplying countries," said Zhang Hui, CEO of Hainan Ausca International Oils and Grains Co., Ltd.
Thanks to the zero-tariff policy of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the company's output value this year is expected to exceed eight billion yuan, Zhang said.
"South African wine is well-positioned to replace many high-quality wines from Europe and the United States. In terms of quality, production standards, processing, and flavor profile, it may even better cater to the preferences of Chinese consumers with more affordability. Chinese people will see cheaper, higher-quality products and better taste wine," said Zhu Zhiwei, executive vice president of Hainan Free Trade Zone Dehang Group.
New markets bring new values to Chinese buyers and consumers.
"More than 80 percent of our beef comes from British breeds, Angus and Herefords. It's very comparable to the breeds from the U.S. and North Australia. So very high-quality products. What really caused the attention of a foreigner of Hainan is that it's not only a tourist destination but an international hub for business," said Lucas Davila, a market intelligence expert at the National Meat Institute of Uruguay.
"We brought South African wines to the export. There's been some wine tastings happening, people have been enjoying. There have been orders that have already been coming through. So I think wine is going to be definitely one of the biggest products that we would be able to export to China," said Lebogang Ramokgopa, chairman of Ivory Agri Solutions.
Hainan's favorable policies will offer more global suppliers better access to China's vast consumer market, said an economist attending CICPE.
Chinese buyers seek new trade partners at Hainan consumer products expo
