Chinese firms brings more diverse array of products to Berlin expo to explore overseas markets

Chinese firms have brought a more diverse array of new products to the IFA Berlin 2026, one of the world's largest trade fairs for consumer electronics and home appliances, in a bid to explore overseas markets.

Attracting more than 1,900 brands from around the world, this year's IFA Berlin, which opened on Friday, puts robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) at the center stage.

Visitors can explore a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and innovations during the five-day event, spanning smart homes, next-generation consumer electronics, mobility and other emerging fields.

From robots, 3D printing to smart mobility, Chinese technology companies are showcasing an increasingly diverse range of products, with cross-border e-commerce becoming an important channel for Chinese brands to reach overseas consumers.

"Chinese e-commerce platforms, especially those pay more attention to quality, are obviously our cooperative partners who we have been engaging actively. They also have helped us to reach almost all the important trading markets around the world," said Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Berlin.

For those Chinese firms that already gained a foothold in the global market, their focus lies in developing new technologies and applications.

As one of the most globally competitive Chinese products, Chinese smart cleaning devices are now going from indoor to outdoor environments, moving from floors to underwater, and even tackling complex spaces such as stairways.

"It's really interesting to see how cleaning robots evolved during the time, because I used to see cleaning robots really on just flat grounds. But now, it's nice to see how things developed and also got more precise when it comes to stairs, pools, also yards. It's now nice to see how Chinese robots got more into precise work," said a visitor.

Chinese firms brings more diverse array of products to Berlin expo to explore overseas markets

Britain's retail footfall went down 1.7 percent year on year in August, according to data jointly released on Friday by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and retail analytics company Sensormatic Solutions.

The figure registered a slower fall compared with the 2.1-percent decline in July.

Specifically, high street footfall dropped by 3.1 percent year on year in August, shopping center footfall decreased by 0.5 percent, while that for retail park rose by 1 percent, the data showed.

The cooler temperatures brought shoppers back after a scorching July to stock up on essentials and back-to-school items, BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said, noting that retail parks were the standout performers.

August delivered a modest improvement for UK retail footfall, but "it is worth remembering that this remains negative growth against last year's already modest performance, underlining the continued pressure facing retailers," said Andy Sumpter, head of consulting and analytics for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Sensormatic Solutions.

With retailers facing cost pressures and households watching every penny, government support on business rates and energy costs could help keep prices down, support investment and sustain jobs and communities across the country, Dickinson said.

Britain's retail footfall down in August